Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Blog

On-bill financing of solar systems

2012-01-04T16:03:00.002-10:00

A program would let customers avoid the upfront cost of installing the systems

Hawaiian Electric Co. is seeking regulatory approval for a program that would help customers tackle their soaring electric bills without having to pay the upfront cost of solar water heater installations.

Under the proposed Simply Solar program, HECO would pay the cost of installing a solar water heating system for qualified residents in Honolulu, Hawaii and Maui counties. The customers would pay HECO back over 12 years via a surcharge on their electric bill. Even with the surcharge, the customers' bills will be less than before solar was installed because of the reduced power consumption.

Hawaii leads the nation in solar water heaters on a per capita basis with units installed on an estimated 85,000 homes, or one-fourth of all residences statewide. However, installation of solar water heaters has slowed in recent years in part because of the initial expense of installing a system.

The $6,600 average cost for a solar water heating system can be cut to about $2,050 with a $750 instant rebate and an estimated $3,800 savings in the form of state and federal tax credits. But even with the incentives the financing may still be difficult for some utility customers since it often takes months before they can realize the benefit of the tax credits. That's the group HECO is targeting, according to utility officials.\

Under the proposal submitted to the Public Utilities Commission for approval, HECO would own and maintain the systems, which would be installed by independent contractors chosen through a competitive process. The bill for customers using 600 kilowatt-hours a month under the Simply Solar program would be an estimated $10 to $15 a month lower than what they currently pay the utility.

The potential savings that can be achieved with solar water heaters and other alternative energy technologies increases as the cost of utility-generated electricity increases. HECO's residential rates hit a record 35.1 cents a kilowatt-hour last month, largely due to the high cost of fuel oil that the utility uses to generate about 75 percent of its power.
Customers would have to meet several criteria to qualify for the program, including having never had a solar water heating system installed in the past. HECO estimates at least 1,850 customers on Oahu, 450 on Hawaii island and 250 in Maui County will qualify for the program over its three-year lifetime.
In most households water heating is the largest single item on a utility bill. By switching to solar water heating, a household can reduce its monthly electricity consumption by 25 percent to 35 percent, according to HECO.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie welcomed HECO's proposal, saying it would "bring much-needed relief to consumers who have been faced with continued rising electricity costs."
"By increasing our use of clean energy, like the sun, we are lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and moving the state forward in our energy goals. This program will result in installation jobs now and immediate savings for the consumer."

The HECO proposal is similar to an "on-bill financing" program that is being considered by the PUC. That program, pushed by the Blue Planet Foundation, would be available to a larger group of households and would apply to a wider range of energy-efficient devices.

"Blue Planet appreciates all efforts to make clean energy more accessible to customers, particularly with the astronomically high electricity rates tied to imported oil," said Jeff Mikulina, Blue Planet executive director.

"Hawaiian Electric has now proposed a limited on-bill financing program, indicating the utility's interest in providing this financing option. We look forward to implementing the most effective program to bring clean energy home for residents and businesses statewide," Mikulina said.

MCBH DEIS

2011-12-27T10:08:00.000-10:00

I'm a member of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board and have been watching the flurry of communications regarding the DEIS with interest.

Personally, I think the great deficiency in the DEIS is in the way they analyze potential noise problems. Averaging the dbh over a 24 hr period doesn't properly reflect the problem. Over the years I've gotten numerous complaints from my constituents about being woken up by blasts of noise from low flying helicopters or from the roar of jet engines while fuel was being burned off. It always about how loud they were blasted by noise and for how long.

People have no experience with the noise generated by an Osprey. They have not experienced the affects of expanded operations. Kaneohe people are very supportive of the Marines. We tolerate the noise as a necessary part of their operations, but there is a limit of that tolerance and many people are concerned with how much impact the changes at the Marine Base will have on them. Many others will not become concerned until they have experienced the real thing. Then the Marine Corps can expect a very serious negative reaction. I sincerely request that the DEIS more adequately address the noise issue and recommends ways to mitigate the impact on our community.

2011-12-22T12:55:00.000-10:00

If you are the person who has been anonymously distributing flyers in and around the Kaneohe post office please know that we have been contacted by the postal authorities and they have asked that the person stop hand billing and soliciting on their premises. If you are using materials taken from the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board website, we ask that you make it clear that you are not connected with the neighborhood board or soliciting on our behalf.

Please also understand it is a Federal offense to place anything other than official mail in a mailbox.

2011-12-20T11:48:00.000-10:00

We regret to announce the passing of long time Kaneohe Board member and community volunteer Laurence Zdvoracek.

Larry was one of the longest serving Neighborhood Board members having been on the board for 18 years and held all leadership positions including chair at various times during his tenure. The Kaneohe Board benefited greatly from his knowledge and experience as a resident of our community and will miss his wisdom greatly.

Larry Zdvoracek honored for his service

to the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Changes at MCBH will impact Kaneohe

2011-12-17T13:19:00.001-10:00

Aloha, Please see below and attached information about the proposed changes at the Marine Corps Base. Please forward to all interested parties

The Kaneohe Marine Corps Base has submitted a plan (Draft environmental Impact Statement DEIS) to expand aircraft activity and infrastructure.
You have a short window to submit comments and concerns
Comments must be emailed (mv22h1eis@beltcollins.com) or postmarked by December 27, 2011.
Department of the Navy
Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division
Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager
258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100
Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134

Some of the proposed changes
●     Aircraft traffic will increase 49% over baseline activity. This increase will be phased in starting 2012.
●     The current planes and helicopters will be changed out for jets (P8 modified 737) additional helicopters and the hybrid Ospreys which have the combined noise of a helicopter and a high pitched turbine aircraft. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RkA47WPeX0
●     The overall effect will be significantly more activity with louder aircraft
See the draft online at http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/mv22h1eis/documents.html
The DEIS analysis- deficiencies
Noise
●     The DEIS noise analysis is based on a computer generated model which does not reflect actual conditions in the bay area and the surrounding mountains.
This model skews the analysis in favor of lower proposed noise levels as noted below
●     No actual measurements of existing noise levels.
●     There was no mention of measurements from different points in the surrounding communities.
●     The model did not address prolonged revving of the engines or hovering activity which is happening now and will increase if proposed aircraft arrive.
●     The model used calculated sound generated from one runway rather than several other areas including helipads which may be used simultaneously with the runways.
●     The computer modeling included a table which indicated that the P8s (737 size JETS) are not included in the sound modeling.
Effects on surrounding community
●     The DEIS fails to address the increase in wastewater issues adequately. Wastewater is currently handled by an on base plant with overflow diverted to the Kailua Waster water facility by city contract. The analysis does not mention that the Kailua plant is only operating under a consent decree for repeated violations of governmental environmental regulations. The EIS does not mention that the Kailua ultraviolet sanitization equipment has been inoperable for several years releasing inadequately treated wastewater into Kaneohe Bay.

●     The DEIS fails to adequately address the effect on property values. Numerous studies have shown that aircraft expansions with associated increase in noise result in a 15-43% (average 27%) decrease in property values.

●     The DEIS describes the area as low population density (it considers uninhabitable areas such as mountains in its calculation) of residential areas.   It fails to consider that most of the population is   concentrated in the area surrounding the bay- and thus will be the most adversely affected by the expansion.
Effects on Humans and other animals
The EIS does not adequately address human health effects.
●     Increases in serious cardiac events have been detailed in previous studies.
●     Sleep deprivation Sleep disturbances are more likely to occur with helicopter operations at times of minimal background noise conditions such as in early morning and late evening. As the number of flight operations are scheduled to increase, the evening and early AM flights will likely increase as well. Sleep disturbance has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, vascular disease stroke and heart disease.
The DEIS does not adequately address effects on quality of life of surrounding residents
●     Interference with daily life. Current levels of aircraft noise drown out or "mask” speech, making it difficult to carry on a normal conversation .Research has shown that "whenever intrusive noise exceeds approximately 60 dBs, there will be interference with speech communication." This is already happening and will happen more frequently if the EIS is approved.
●     Irritation   More people consider helicopter noise more disturbing than that from fixed wing aircraft.
More and larger helicopters and hybrids (Ospreys) are proposed in this document.

The DEIS does not adequately address effects on children health and educational impact
●     Children - Airport noise can also have negative effects on children’s health and development. Studies of children living or attending school near airports found:
○     High blood pressure
○     Lowered reading comprehension

The DEIS did not present adequate data on the effect on wildlife
There are 68 endangered/threatened/protected species present in the affected area some of which are monk seals, whales, green sea turtles and blue herons. Studies evaluating noise have shown disturbances of normal behavior including disruptions of feeding and mating.
●     The DEIS minimally addresses these concerns and limits its analysis of these issues to effects of bird airstrikes.
Comments must be emailed (mv22h1eis@beltcollins.com) or postmarked by December 27, 2011.
Department of the Navy
Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division
Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager
258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100
Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134

From the Kaneohe Bay Residents Initiative – email kbresidentsinitiative@gmail.com

Kaneohe Bay Residents Initiative
kbresidentsinitiative@gmail.com

Waimanalo Job Corp

2011-12-08T12:45:00.001-10:00

The Job Corps provides technical training and high school education to young people who might not otherwise be able to get the training they need to reach their full potential. This is a work training program, so participants get paid a stipend while preparing for a new life. Check it out.

The Waimanalo Job Corps schedules periodic facility tours on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. The dates of the next tours are 12/15 and Jan 12 and 26 all at 9AM. Contact Tui at 259-6051 for directions or just Google Waimanalo Job Corps to find where the facilities are located.

2011-11-26T21:26:00.001-10:00

WINDWARD NEIGHBORHOOD
SECURITY WATCH COORDINATORS GROUP
presents………

“How To Protect Your Property”
Speakers:

Security One (Alarm Systems)

&
Tropical Wholesale (Windows)

When: Saturday, January 14, 9:00 AM

Where: Ho'omaluhia Gardens
Kaneohe, Hawaii

PURPOSE OF WINDWARD OAHU NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY WATCH

Develop a partnership with District IV police by opening lines of communication, sharing of information, identifying problem areas, developing trust and an environment of cooperation with each other.

Help you set up a Neighborhood Security Watch and Community policing programing

Provide support and coordination to Neighborhood Security Watchs from Waimanalo to Kahuku.

Help you prevent and reduce crime by bringing the community together to work with the Hawaii State Legislature, Honolulu City Council and other federal, state and local government agencies, business and community groups.

Provide seminars and training for Neighborhood Security Watches and for the public.

Conduct informational meetings to network and share information with Neighborhood Security Watch coordinators and community policing groups.

Educate the public about the Neighborhood Security Watch program and how an organized NSW can help make your neighborhood crime free and ready for any emergency.

ALL WINDWARD RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

Organize your community to fight crime and prepare for emergencies.

Call Sgt. Samson if you have any questions: 723-8874

Bill Sager, Chair, KNB Emergency Preparedness Committee - bsager42@gmail.com

Be prepared to help yourself, your neighbors and your community

Have food, water and medicine for at least 5 days.

2011-11-21T19:09:00.001-10:00

Watch this one closely. Last version includes a "development boundary". IMO the new line is designed to facilitate such projects as the expansion of Hawaii Memorial Park and Envision Laie.

OAHU GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED

(Mon., November 21, 2011) — The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting has released the results of a community survey on the Oahu General Plan Update.

The Department conducted the online survey from June 13, 2011 to September 1, 2011 to gather public comments on the issues being considered for the General Plan Update. The issues include economic health, regional population and growth, agriculture, affordable housing, and sustainability.

A total of 2,413 people took part in the survey and 1,942, or 80.5 percent, completed the entire survey. Although not a scientific survey or a representative sample of Oahu’s population, the responses are significant because they were made by individuals who voluntarily took the time to participate.

Among the survey’s results, a large majority (75 percent) said the opportunity to enjoy Oahu’s natural areas was one of the characteristics they valued most about living on the island. Nearly 50 percent said the local culture and values, followed by a strong sense of community (35.8 percent) were the characteristics that made Oahu unique. (Respondents were allowed to pick three characteristics, which is why the percentage total exceeded 100 percent.)

The respondents also listed the Top 5 issues they felt needed to be addressed in the General Plan. They are: Traffic and congestion; protecting agricultural land and increasing agricultural production; protecting the environment; homelessness and availability of housing; and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.

The Department continues to seek input on the General Plan Update. Residents can submit comments through the Department’s website, www.honoluludpp.org. The results of the community survey also are available at this website.

The deadline to submit a comment is November 30, 2011.

2011-11-21T18:59:00.001-10:00

WINDWARD CITY LIGHTS CELEBRATION THIS SATURDAY

(Mon., November 21, 2011)—Mayor Peter B. Carlisle, Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay, and the Windward City Lights Committee invite everyone to the 6th Annual Windward City Lights celebration on Saturday, November 26, 2011. The corners of Kamehameha Highway and Waikalua Road will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the festivities, which begin at 5 p.m.

The event features food and craft booths, free keiki rides, visits with Santa and great entertainment. The concert line-up includes Ka‛eha, The Hasselhoffs, Jimmy Weeks, the Arnold Alconcel Jazz Quartet, the Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club, with emcees Tom Landeza and Frank Cabacungan. Mayor Carlisle and First Lady Judy Carlisle will illuminate thousands of lights at the Kaneohe Police Station, Kaneohe Fire Station, and Benjamin Parker School at 6:30 p.m.

OPENING NIGHT PROGRAM

Saturday, November 26, 2011

5 p.m. Food and Craft Booths ~ On Waikalua Road
Mahiku Farmer’s Market

FREE Keiki Rides ~ Benjamin Parker Playground

Toys for Tots ~ Kaneohe Marines ~ On Waikalua Road

5 p.m. WELCOME and ALOHA

Emcees: Tom Landeza and Frank Cabacungan

5:05 p.m. Invocation: Pastor Tom Landeza ~ Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay

5:15-5:45 p.m. HOLIDAY CONCERT ~ Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club

5:55-6:20 p.m.     Lisa Campos
            6:30-6:40 p.m.     TREE LIGHTING with Mayor Carlisle and First Lady Judy Carlisle
                                       (Lighting of Four Corners)

Chief Louis Kealoha ~ Honolulu Police Department

Chief Kenneth Silva ~ Honolulu Fire Department

6:45-7:20 p.m. Ka‘eha

7:30-7:50 p.m. The Hasselhoffs

7:55-8:15 p.m. Jimmy Weeks

8:20-8:45 p.m. Arnold Alconcel Jazz Quartet

The community is encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic on Kamehameha Highway. Motorists will be directed to the open field behind Benjamin Parker School for parking, which is accessible through Waikalua Road and other alternative routes. Waikalua Road will be closed to traffic beginning at 1 p.m. The celebration is sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu, Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay, and the Friends of Windward City Lights. Other sponsors include: EDH Solar Electric, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kalbi Drive Inn, Kaneohe Marines, King Windward Nissan and Windward Baptist Church and RAM.

Windward City Lights Block Party

2011-11-17T16:44:00.001-10:00

What: Windward City Lights Block Party

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 5 to 9 pm

Where: Waikalua Road fronting the Kaneohe Police Station

Who: Co-sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu and Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay

What's happening: Free admission to the party; entertainment, craft booths, Makihu Farmer's Market, food booths, FREE keiki rides (thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors; includes a rock climbing wall), Santa booth, highlight of the evening is the Grand Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Peter Carlisle between 6 and 6:30 pm. Great family-friendly activity.

Board Mtg Agenda for November 17

2011-11-14T12:02:00.001-10:00

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

THURSDAY, Nov 17, 2011 7:00 P.M.

BENJAMIN PARKER SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

45-259 WAIKALUA ROAD

KANEOHE, HI 96744

1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Roy Yanagihara

2. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES – Sub-districts 2, 3, 7 and 9 (one seat each)

(Call for persons interested in filling Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 vacancies. Please bring proof of residency address to the meeting.)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

3.1 SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

3.2 AUGUST 18, 2011 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

3.2 OCTOBER 20, 2011 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

4. APPROVAL OF TUESDAY, November 1, 2011 AGENDA PLANNING AND COMMITTEES’ MEETING MINUTES

5. PUBLIC SAFETY AND MILITARY REPORT

5.1 Honolulu Fire Department – Duty Officer

5.2 Honolulu Police Department – Duty Officer

5.3 Marine Corps Base Hawaii Liaison

6. TREASURER’S REPORT

7. PUBLIC INPUT & RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

8. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS

8.1 Mayor Peter Carlisle's Representative

8.2 Councilmember Ikaika Anderson

8.3 Governor Neil Abercrombie’s Representative

8.4 U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono

8.5 Senator Jill Tokuda

8.6 Senator Clayton Hee

8.7 Representative Ken Ito

8.8 Representative Pono Chong

9. COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

9.1 Hope Chapel

9.2 Hawaii Pacific University

9.3 Windward Community College

10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

10.1 Emergency Preparedness Report.

10.1.1 Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Request to establish a repeater station , Clem Jung

10.2 Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan Presentation, Bill Sager

10.3 Resolution re Inter-island power cable and windfarm project concerns, Andrea Jepson

11. NEW BUSINESS

11.1 Hawaii Job Corp, T.S. Tuiteleleapaga, Outreach and Admission,

11.2 Presentation on Haiku Valley plan - Townscape, Bruce Tsuchida

13. COMMITTEE REPORTS

13.1 Legislative

13.1.1 State Legislature Committee – Co-Chairs Roy Yanagihara, Kekoa Kaluhiwa

13.1.2 City & County Ordinance Committee (vacant)

13.2 Public Health & Safety – Chair John Flanigan

13.2.1 Mental Health Committee – Chair (vacant)

13.2.2 Public Safety Committee – Co-Chairs Felipe San Nicolas, Bill Sager

13.3 Planning Committee – Chair (vacant)

13.4 Transportation Committee – Chair Daniel

13.5 Education Committee – Chair Maurice Radke

13.6 Environmental Committee – Chair Bill Sager

13.7 Windward Civilian/Military Committee – Chair John Flanigan

13.8 OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee – Chair Daniel

13.9 Neighborhood Board Website Contact Committee – Co-Chairs Tina Mueller, Bill Sager

13.10 Publicity Committee – Chair (vacant)

13.11 Haiku Stairs Special Task Force – Chair Maurice Radke

13.14 Special Information Gathering Committee Bar and Cabaret Licenses

13.15 Emergency Management Plan Committee, William Sager

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS

14.1

14.2 The next Agenda Planning & Committees’ Meeting will be held on December 6, 2011, Kaneohe Community and Senior Center, 7:00 p.m.

14.3 The next Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 regular meeting will take place at the Benjamin Parker School Cafetorium on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

14. ADJOURNMENT

If you would like to receive this Board’s agenda and minutes, please contact the Neighborhood Commission Office, Honolulu Hale, Room 406, Honolulu, HI 96613; call Neighborhood Assistant K. Russell Ho at 768-3715 or e-mail at kho4@honolulu.gov, fax 768-3711 to be added to the mailing list or visit www.honolulu.gov/nco/index1.htm.

Any individual wishing to attend a Neighborhood Board meeting who has questions about accommodations for a physical disability or a special physical need should call the Neighborhood Commission Office at 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting.

Basing of MV-22 and H-1 Aircraft in Support of Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Elements in Hawaii

2011-11-14T12:00:00.001-10:00

> Subject: Draft EIS for Basing of MV-22 and H-1 Aircraft in Hawaii
> Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:41:23 -1000
> From: mv22h1eis@beltcollins.com

We are writing to inform you that the Department of the Navy, on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for the Basing of MV-22 and H-1 Aircraft in Support of Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Elements in Hawaii. The Department of the Army is a cooperating agency in this NEPA process.

The Draft EIS addresses the potential environmental consequences of basing up to two Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) squadrons and one Marine Light Attack Helicopter (HMLA) squadron in Hawaii, including associated construction and renovation of facilities, personnel changes, and training and aviation operations at existing training areas.

This publication initiates a 45-day public comment period during which agencies and other interested parties may submit comments on the Draft EIS.
Public meetings, publicized in local newspapers, will be held on the islands of Hawai'i and O'ahu from November 30 to December 8, 2011, to share information and to obtain comments. In addition to meeting public involvement requirements of NEPA these meetings will provide opportunities for public involvement in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

To view the Draft EIS or submit comments online, you are invited to visit the project website at www.mcbh.usmc.mil/mv22h1eis . Comments must be received or postmarked no later than December 27, 2011. Please submit written comments to:
Department of the Navy
Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific
258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100
Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134
Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager

If you have any questions, please contact the MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager by telephone at 808-472-1196 or by email via the project website. Media inquiries may be directed to Major Alan Crouch, Public Affairs Officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, telephone 808-257-8870 or e-mail alan.crouch@usmc.mil .

2011-10-16T10:10:00.000-10:00

Kahaluu Emergency Preparedness Fair will be held at the Key Project on Waihee Rd from 9am - 12pm. Stop by and learn how to be prepared for the next hurricane or tsunami.

Civil Defense tells us we must be prepared to take care of ourselves and our neighbors for a week or more before you can expect any help from the Government. The more your are prepared the better your chances of surviving in relative comfort.

Get training, know who in your neighborhood has special skills and who needs special help. The Neighborhood Security Watch can help you be prepared. Call Carlene at 236-1234 if you need more information or if you can help greet people at the fair.

Kaneohe Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday 10/20/11

2011-10-16T09:48:00.000-10:00

Kaneohe Neighborhood Board will meet Thursday 10/20/11 at 7pm at Benjamin Parker Intermediate School Cafetorium.

The regular schedule of presentations from community leaders and concerned citizens will proceed the business session.

10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

10.1 New Rules Concerning Ahu O Laka - Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)

DLNR is proposing the temporary rules forbidding alcohol consumpumsion at the Kaneohe Sandbar be made permanent for all 3 day weekends.

10.2 Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan Presentation - Bruce Tsuchida, Townscape, Inc

Click here to view the plan.

10.3 Water Rate Increases - Board of Water Supply,

10.4 Emergency Preparedness Report.

Tsunami Readiness Presentation and what has to be done to have Kaneohe Certified as Tsunami ready. Why should we care?

Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) organization and HPD support. Civil Defense tells us that after a major storm we cannot expect Government help for at least a week. We need to organize our neighborhoods to be prepared to help ourselves and our neighbors.

11. NEW BUSINESS

11.1 William Henry Road Sidewalk Project ¨C Angelina K Hoffman

What is the status of the proposal to install sidewalks and curbings along William Henry Road? Why is it important?

11.2 Inter-island Power Cable and Wind Farm Project ¨C Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric's Vice President of System Operation & Planning

11.3 Inter-island Power Cable and Wind Farm Project Concerns ¨C Andrea Jepson

Why is Hawaiian Electric proposing to tie the electric grids of all islands together with a multi-billion dollar undersea cable when so many options to produce firm power locally are available? What are the potential impacts of windfarm developments on Lanai and Molokai? What is the potential for geothermal power from Maui? Is it possible to link the Big Island to Oahu with an undersea cable? Why is HEI proposing legislation to make the rate payers responsible for cable development rather than finance through private investment?

Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Grant

2011-09-16T11:30:00.000-10:00

From: Risa Minato [mailto:charissa@hawaii.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:11 AM
To: Risa Minato
Subject: HCRI Student Research RFP - DUE Sept 30th

Aloha,

The Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI) is releasing a graduate/undergraduate student research request for proposals. We have a total of about $38,000 which can help fund salaries for 2 proposals for work done between October/November 2011 through August 2012. Research questions are open, but they must address a nearshore management problem in the main Hawaiian Islands. Deadline to submit proposals is September 30th, 2011.

Please forward this announcement on to other who may be interested.

Be Prepared

2011-09-04T14:07:00.000-10:00

How prepared are you to help yourself, your family and your neighbors in an emergency? Do you understand that most of our homes will be destroyed when a category 3 hurricane hits our island. For windward Oahu, we can expect all roads to Honolulu to be blocked by trees, landslides and flooding. We will be on our own for a week or more. That means you need to be ready to camp out for at least a week. You need to have water, food and any medicines you may need. Even if you go to a shelter, you will need to bring supplies with you.

To prepare Kaneohe, or any community for emergency response we need to organize our neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) is the perfect organization to help us be ready to help our neighbors. NSW is oriented towards crime prevention, but their is no reason it cannot include being prepared to respond to an emergency. After all, we need to know which of our neighbors need special help when the power goes off and who will need special help when an evacuation becomes necessary.

CERT training is designed to help you be ready to help yourself and your family during a disaster and your neighbors after a disaster. It is a good first step and members of Neighborhood Security Watches should organize trained CERT teams that can lead volunteers in search and rescue activities.

Communications will be a serious problem. CERT teams can have Family Service Radios, walkie-talkies, to communicate with each other and a central neighborhood communications hub. Ideally, that communications hub would be able to communicate with authorities that can provide help.

This short article cannot tell you what you need to do to be prepared to help yourself and your neighbors. All we can hope is that you will want to be better prepared. You can take the first step by emailing windwardnsw@yahoo.com or calling Carlene McPherson at 236-1234. Your Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, 808-375-1114, can also help. Tell them you want to organize your neighborhood and need their help. You can also call C&C Dept of Emergency Management at 808-523-4121 and ask them for help organizing a CERT team in your neighborhood.

The Windward Neighborhood Security Watch is sponsoring an Emergency Response Fair on September 15 from 5-8pm in the parking lot of the new Whole Foods Store in Kailua. The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board is sponsoring a similar event at the Windward Hoolaulea on October 1 from 9am-3pm. Stop by and learn what you can do to organize your neighborhood.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

2011-09-04T11:02:00.003-10:00

During a recent neighborhood board meeting we had a short discussion on how citizens can and cannot cross the streets in the crosswalk. It seemed there was lots of misunderstanding of the "walking man" and "no-walk hand" I'd like to post a reprint of the rules and regulations for crosswalks Island-wide.
Aloha,
Mo Radke

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

ALWAYS USE A MARKED CROSSWALK.
MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS. LOOK LEFT, RIGHT, AND LEFT AGAIN
WEAR BRIGHT, WHITE, OR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING

Do not “jaywalk”. Always cross at a crosswalk.

When crossing at a crosswalk

You may only cross the street when the walking figure is illuminated and is a steady signal.
When the flashing “red hand” is displayed, do NOT start crossing the street. Finishing crossing the street if you are already in the crosswalk.
When there is a steady “red hand” displayed, DON’T WALK. Remain at the curb. Push the pedestrian button and wait for the walk signal.
Don’t start crossing when there is a “count down” next to the “red hand.” Continue across the street and finish crossing within the time displayed.

The Law

If you cross at a crosswalk when a steady hand is displayed or when there is a flashing signal, $130 fine
“Jaywalking”, $130 fine
No pedestrian may enter/cross ANY roadway closed to pedestrian traffic, $130 fine
Vehicles MUST stop for pedestrians in same half of the roadway, $130 fine

MOPED SAFETY

Rules

A moped is considered a vehicle – you are expected to follow all traffic laws
You need to get a license for your moped – it is the same license as required for bikes and is available at City Hall and Satellite City Hall
Parking – you can park at bike racks; however, you have to be sure your moped is actually chained to the bike rack
Make sure your lock is attached to bike rack

Recommendations

Wear a helmet
Do not weave between cars, it is unsafe and not allowed when properly following traffic laws

These Pedestrian Safety Tips are adapted from a publication from the Honolulu Police Department, www.honolulupd.org

Neighborhood Security Watch Activities

2011-09-03T17:23:00.000-10:00

WINDWARD NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY WATCH

COORDINATORS GROUP MEETING

Saturday, Sept 10, 2011

Ho'omaluhia Gardens

Kaneohe, Hawaii

MEETING AGENDA

1. Call to Order - Carlene MacPherson

Pule – HPD Officer

2. Introduction of Members and Guests - please sign in

Topic: Auto Care Clinic

Speakers: Windward auto

3. Approval of Minutes – July 9, 2011 - please read prior to the meeting

4. Financial Report - Clayton Tom - please review prior to the meeting

5. Update from Sectors and Neighborhoods - Sgt. Samson

5.1 HPD updates and events

5.2 Neighborhood updates

6. Unfinished Business

6.1.Refreshments for Oct 8 Annual Meeting - Volunteers needed to bring items: see Moana

6.2 Events for 2011: Chiefs Memorial Walk - Sept 11, 4PM HPD Headquarters; Beretania St

Kailua Emergency Readiness Fair – Sept 15, 5-7:30PM volunteers needed

WCC Ho’olaulima – Oct 1, 9AM – 5PM, volunteers needed

Annual Meeting – Oct 8, 9AM HPD speaker(s)

LDS Church Kaneohe – Oct 15 9AM – Noon, volunteers needed

City Lights Kaneohe (Nov)

Kaneohe Christmas Parade 12/3/2011

7. New Business

7.1 Volunteers to serve on Board of Directors for 2012

7.2 Neighborhood Board meetings – please attend

8. Other

8.1 Next WNSWCGs' meeting: Saturday, Oct 8, 9:00 AM Ho'omaluhia Gardens

Topic: Annual Meeting

8.2 Next Board meeting: Dec date to be determined at Oct 8 Annual Meeting

Adjournment

Coqui frog on Windward Oahu

2011-08-27T08:47:00.000-10:00

"WAIMANALO (HawaiiNewsNow) - The coqui frog is tiny and tenacious. Its call in the wild has been heard all over Oahu.

"There are a few sites on Oahu where they're currently established. We're working on that. I think there are three in Waimanalo and one in Hawaii Kai," Neil Reimer said.

He runs the state's Plant and Pest Control Branch. He said between June 2010 and June 2011, inspectors located and eradicated coqui in 70 different areas of the island."

Hear a coqui, call 832-0578

Oahu Democrats passed a resolution pointing out that keeping invasive species out of Hawaii is vital and recommending that the Plant and Pest Control Branch be fully funded. They provide a vital service that protects public health, Hawaii agriculture and native forests. This is a vital service that cannot be subject to the vagarious funding.

Emergency Preparedness Mtg

2011-08-24T20:29:00.000-10:00

Come and learn to be ready for any emergency

PURPOSE OF WINDWARD OAHU NSW

Develop a partnership with District IV police by opening lines of communication, sharing of information, identify problem areas, developing trust and an environment of cooperation with each other.

Work with the community to establish more Neighborhood Security Watches and Community policing programs and to support and be a resource for these groups.

Through our membership, work with the Hawaii State Legislature, Honolulu City Council and other federal, state and local government agencies, business and community groups to prevent and reduce crime.

Attend seminars and training.

Conduct informational meetings to network and share information with Neighborhood Security Watch coordinators and community policing groups.

Sponsor annual Neighborhood Security Watch Fair to help educate the public about crime and how to deal with it.

Participate in community events to promote and educate the public about Neighborhood Security Watch.

KHCC Fund Raiser Garage Sale

2011-08-21T19:54:00.000-10:00

Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club is holding the Annual Scholarship Benefit Garage Sale Sunday 8/28 in the atrium bldg parking lot from 8am-2pm

Concerned about B&Bs?

2011-08-20T08:56:00.000-10:00

The Planning Commission will be considering a law to make administration of Bed & Breakfast accomidations which probably means consideration of legalizing existing B&Bs

PLANNING COMMISSION

Meeting of the Planning Commission

DATE: August 24, 2011
TIME: 10:00 am.
PLACE: Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii

AGENDA

PUBLIC HEARING
Public hearing notice published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on July 29, 2011.

1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING

Continuation of public hearing opened on August 10, 2011 for the following:

A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 21, REVISED ORDINANCES OF HONOLULU 1990, AS AMENDED (THE LAND USE ORDINANCE) RELATING TO REGULATION OF CERTAIN VISITOR ACCOMMODATIONS

The purpose of this bill is to improve administration and enforcement of Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, relating to Transient Vacation Units (TVUs) and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) homes.

Report on Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Mtg of 8/18/2011

2011-08-19T22:12:00.000-10:00

This is not the official minutes of the meeting, But is some of thing things one member thinks may be of special interest to you.

The KNB will be sponsoring and Emergency Preparedness presentation at the Windward Hoolaulea on October 1.

C&C to build sewage bypass.The EIS for the court mandated sewer connection between Kaneohe and Kailua has been accepted. The preferred alternative is a gravity tunnel under Oneawa Hills. However, this alternative will take longer to construct and must be approved by the Court which had set a 2014 deadling. Construction is expected to start in 2012 and be completed by 2018.

In a presentation by C&C Department Environmental Services they explaned that the sewer odors that are emanating from various locations along a force main are caused by an inverse syphon which occurs under Kamehameha Hwy and the to the on and off cycle of the Ahumanu force main pump. They are using several technics to attempt to resolve the problem.

On 8/24 the MCBH will be conducting training and the airport will be open from 5:30am to midnight. Expect increased aircraft activity and related noise.

Pedestrian Month. HPD informed us that during Pedestrian Month they will be focusing on pedestrians who cross a street illegally. Then they dropped a bomb shell. We all know it is illegal to cross against the orange palm, but did you know it is illegal to enter the crosswalk when the flashing countdown has started. Even if you clear the crosswalk before light turns green you are still in violation and can be ticketed.

The Neighborhood Commission is updating its mailing list. They urge you to save the county money by receiving an email copy of meeting notices. Go to: http://www1.honolulu.gov/nco and sign up for the free service.

If you want to continue receiving the printed notice by mail call Theona Kapoi at 808-768-3779 or email nco@honolulu.gov.

Anyone who has not re-registered will be dropped from the mailing list.

Castle Complex Schools, Town Hall Mtg, 8/29/11, 6:30 - 9:00pm Learn how the achievement of boys differs from girls. Hear world-renowned expert on gender based learning, Abigail N. James, PhD, share how to help boays achieve. Learn how boys'brain development affects learning, and learn strategies for helping boys overcome stumbling blocks. Learn how to work with teachers for your childs success.

DLNR to replace missing safety zone buoys at Kaneohe sandbar

2011-08-18T09:24:00.000-10:00

Officials say some of them were cut while others were dragged into deeper water after the Fourth of July weekend.

On Thursday, crews will replace the missing buoys in preparation for the Admission Day holiday on Friday.

An alcohol ban will be in effect over the three day weekend.
Anyone caught tampering with a buoy could be charged with criminal property damage.

Hawaii State Hospital - Problem with Mental Defense

2011-07-25T14:35:00.000-10:00

Mentally disturbed 23-year-old Mark Davis Jr., acquitted in the shocking rape and murder of a 6-year-old girl nearly a decade ago, could once again raise the insanity defense for a new assault charge.
If he does and prevails, he will be returned to the Hawaii State Hospital, where he is accused in the assault case of repeatedly slamming a padlock on the head of a hospital therapist.
Davis would be raising the insanity defense for the third time, also having been acquitted of escape from the state hospital just two months after he was committed to the Kaneohe facility.
The case highlights the quandary law enforcement and hospital officials face when dealing with troublesome patients acquitted of crimes because of their mental condition. Those patients must remain under the hospital's supervision until a state judge determines they are no longer mentally ill or no longer dangerous.
Some, especially those acquitted by reason of insanity in murder cases, remain at the state hospital for decades or the rest of their lives.
Because of their mental condition, those patients usually raise the insanity defense to charges of committing crimes while at hospital.
If convicted of the second-degree assault charge, Davis could spend up to five years in prison.
Upon his release, however, he would be sent back to the hospital, according to lawyers and hospital officials.
In one of the state's most horrific crimes, Davis was 14 and a Hawaii island resident when Kauilani Tadeo was raped and beaten near her family's Puna home on Sept. 27, 2001. She died from a blow to her head.
Prosecutors said Davis admitted that the police investigation proved he sexually assaulted and killed the girl. But mental health experts had diagnosed Davis as suffering from mental problems that included mild to moderate mental retardation, intermittent explosive disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
In 2005 he was acquitted of the murder and rape charges by reason of insanity and committed to the state hospital.
Two months after he was committed to the Kaneohe facility, Davis escaped for a couple of hours before he was found in a canal near a shopping center at Temple Valley. Davis was charged with escape but was acquitted by reason of insanity and returned to the hospital.
IN THE PAST FIVE years, five patients other than Davis have been prosecuted in connection with offenses at the hospital, according to hospital administrator Mark Fridovich.
One was convicted of escape and sentenced to prison and returned to the hospital after he served his sentence.
Another patient has an escape charge pending.
Two patients were convicted of assault and are now in prison. Another patient has a pending assault case.
City Deputy Prosecutor Mark Yuen said the office is prosecuting Davis because the determination of whether he is legally insane will be made later, based on mental examinations.
"We are just holding everyone penally accountable for whatever action they did," he said.
Davis pleaded not guilty to the assault charge. His trial is scheduled for September.
In that case, Davis is accused of an unprovoked attack on an occupational therapist on May 20, 2009.
The hospital staff was trying to place restraints on him after he told a social worker he was going to kill someone or escape, according to a police report.
But Davis walked or ran to a room where the therapist was at a table with another patient in an assessment session, the report said.
Davis grabbed a 13⁄4-inch combination padlock the therapist was using in the assessment, hit the therapist four times on the head with the metal lock and said several times, "I'll kill her," the document said.
The therapist said she suffered a severe concussion, the report said.
Police began an investigation but didn't submit the final closing report until May, clearing the way for prosecutors to file the assault charge on June 28.
During the investigation, James Ornellas, the hospital's clinical safety coordinator, checked on the case with police several times and asked that charges be pursued so Davis could be transferred to the Oahu Community Correctional Center, according to the police report.
Davis' arrest report lists him as 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds.
Davis has been transferred to the OCCC while his case is pending.
Deputy Public Defender Bryant Zane said it's too early to say whether he will raise the defense for his client, but said it definitely will be considered.
Despite Davis' past, there is no guarantee that he will be acquitted by reason of insanity.
Under state law the defense must show that defendants suffer from mental disorders that render them incapable of distinguishing right from wrong or abiding by the law. The mentally ill can still be convicted if they have those capacities.
One notable example is is Byran Uyesugi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia but was convicted of murdering seven Xerox co-workers in 1999, despite his insanity defense.

free family fishing day

2011-07-25T08:52:00.002-10:00

Conservation Week kicks off on Sunday July 24th with a free family fishing day at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden

Neighborhood Security Watch Activities

2011-07-22T12:00:00.000-10:00

Last night at your Neighborhood Board Meeting we made a presentation encouraging people to participate in the National Night Out being celebrated August 2 at the Target Store in Salt Lake.(top level parking lot)starting at 4:30. The purpose of the celebration is to:
1. Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
2. Generate support for and participation in local Neighborhood Security Watches
3. Strengthen community emergency preparedness and Community-Police partnerships
4. Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are watching out for each other

thank you to the entire board for their gracious consideration of moving us up on the agenda. I came home exhausted and slept for 10 hours straight!

Last night, we were unable to have our Kaneohe Officer, Vernon Kleinschmidt, with us. He is also sick.
So I called Sgt. Samson today to find out how many active groups there are in Kaneohe.

Right now there are 10 active Neighborhood Security Watches in Kaneohe. Several groups went inactive because the NSW leadership team fell apart for over a year. There were no meetings and many thought the program had died.

In the last 6 months, we have participated in numerous community events, including attending Neighborhood Board meetings, to get the word out that "we are back" and going strong. At our events we are educating people about what NSW is about and how we CAN make a difference. It's working, and of special note, I have had more requests and interests from Kaneohe than any other area!

BTW: We will be in the Kaneohe Christmas parade and we will have a table at Windward City Lights.

Please share this email with the other board members.

I will get you further information about Chief Kealoha's Annual talk to the Community on Aug 25, @ 6:30pm, so that it can also be shared with the Neighborhood Board. If anyone has any questions for the Chief that night, please send them to me ahead of the meeting, so that we can gather facts, stats, etc.

Mahalo
Carlene MacPherson, windwardnsw@yahoo.com,236-1234

ex Kaneohe Marine to receive Nations Highest Honor

2011-07-22T10:49:00.000-10:00

A marine who used to be stationed at Kaneohe will receive the nation's highest award.

Dakota Meyer will be just the third living recipient to receive the medal of honor for his heroism since Vietnam.

Officials say Meyer is being awarded for his action in Afghanistan in September 2009.

When while injured he pulled four fallen comrades away from enemy forces.

Meyer was stationed in Okinawa at the time.. and is no-longer in the Corps.

President Obama called Meyer to inform him about the honor on Monday.

Kahekili Hwy Community Workshop

2011-07-22T07:41:00.000-10:00

Hawaii Dept of Transportation is holding a community workshop on Monday, July 25 at 6pm in WCC Hale Akoakoa to discuss alternatives to improve traffic and safety along Kahekili Hwy. Call 587-1835 if you have questions or special needs.

Emergency Response Planning Committee

2011-07-21T16:42:00.000-10:00

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board created the Emergency Response Planning Committee for Kaneohe assigning Bill Sager as Chair and Felipe San Nicolas as Vice Chair. There is a lot to do to create an effective plan and we must depend on community volunteers to create an effective response plan.

We know that when a major hurricane hits Oahu 80% of our homes will be destroyed. The Department of Emergency Management has identified Shelters for 30% of our population, but most of those shelters will loose their roofs in a Category 3 hurricane.

Bottom line is we have to be prepared to take care of ourselves and our neighbors for at least a week. CERT training is the first step in our preparedness. We need to establish CERT response teams in each of our neighborhoods. Everyone is encourage to become CERT certified.

CERT training is free and consists of a total of 16 hours of classroom
time and 4 hours of practicum.  One needs to attend all sessions in
order to "graduate" from the program.  Each class consists of three (3)
days of training.  You need to attend all three days in order to
graduate and become CERT certified.  If you can't be present at all
three consecutive classes, you may make up the first two classes.  The
third class can't be attended unless you have finished the first two.
These classes are usually held on weekends (Sat or Sun) from 8am to
between 1pm and 4pm.

Here are the dates of training for 2011:

August 13, 20, and 27 (Saturdays)

October 15, 22, and 29 (Saturdays)

Please RSVP to me at the below number at least a week in advance, so I
can arrange to have enough equipment and supplies available.  All of the
training sessions will be held at Department of Emergency Management's
Emergency Operating Center , 650 South King Street ( Fasi Municipal
Building ).  Parking is on the S. Beretania Street side. You need not
pay

Be aware that there are designated shelters for about 30% of our population and none of them would keep their roofs during a class III hurricane. Shelters have no supplies, so you're going to have to bring everything you're going to need with you.

If you work in a secure building, such as a hotel, make sure management has a response plan and encouraged them to include in your families in their plans to shelter their people. If your family is in a secure shelter, managent will know their employees are on property and ready to help.

Now that we've prepared for our families, let's think about our neighborhood.

Neighborhood Response

Civil Defense provides Citizen Emergency Response Team training. It is combination of emergency first aid training and organizing a neighborhood to effectively help their neighbors. For instance, the emergency response team should know who in their neighborhood needs special medical attention. Who is on oxygen. Who requires kidney dialysis. The team needs to know their neighbors.

Beyond the neighborhood, the community needs to inventory its resources. Know where you have secure buildings strong enough to provide safe shelter during a storm and to whom will the shelter be available. What heavy equipment is available to the community, how will it be activated and who will operate it.

How will the community communicate their needs to authorities and how can medical resources in our communities best be utilized.

Actions Needed - Looking for volunteers

Organize Neighborhoods into CERT Teams and integrate emergency preparedness into the Neighborhood Watch System
Contact Faith Groups, Business Groups and Service Groups to encourage them to participate in Emergency Response Planning.
Inventory available heavy equipment, who will operate it and how it can be activated.
Integrate Emergency planning with Police and Fire.
Set up HAM radio communications within Neighborhoods and to the ICS.
What help can we get from the military?
Inventory Shelters
Identify evacuation routes.

contact Bill Sager at bsager42@gmail.com or leave a comment here

Oahu General Plan

2011-07-09T16:10:00.000-10:00

The Oahu General Plan is being updated. This plan will determine the future of Oahu. Let your voice be heard. Learn more here and be sure to take the survey. Do it now because the survey will close on 7/14.

Women attacked by dog on Ahu o Laka (Kaneohe Bay sandbar)

2011-06-23T11:07:00.000-10:00

By Rob Shikina

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 22, 2011

Share A 36-year-old crew member of a charter boat was injured Tuesday when she was attacked by a 130-pound bull mastiff at the Kaneohe Bay sandbar, authorities said.

The attack took place at about 2:30 p.m. on the north end of Ahu o Laka where commercial boats are allowed to dock, said Deborah Ward, spokeswoman for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

A supervisor with the Emergency Medical Services Division said the woman was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition.

Rob Mathews, operations manager of Dreamer Yacht Charters, said the woman was a crew member setting anchor for the vessel Dreamer when the attack happened before two guests on a luxury tour.
"It's quite horrifying," he said. While the woman was in the water, two dogs ran down the sandbar toward her, and one dog attacked her "completely unprovoked," he said.

"The larger one jumped up on her and started to maul her and actually took her off her feet and put her underwater," he said. The woman sustained cuts behind her ear, at the back of her neck and on top of her head, he said. She remained at the hospital Tuesday evening getting stitches.

He said another boat from the company took the woman back to Heeia Kea Boat Harbor where the crew was met by the Fire Department.

Ward said the dog was released to its owner, who could face charges under the city's dangerous-dog law.

New Rules for Kaneohe Bay Sandbar

2011-06-23T11:04:00.000-10:00

HONOLULU -- A controversial move to get control over free flowing alcohol at a popular Windward Oahu boating spot is drawing support from a grieving family.Friends and relatives of Nelden Maka Torres, 26, are still trying to cope with their loss.. The father of two young girls, ages seven and 2 months, died after a fight on Memorial Day weekend that started at the Kaneohe sandbar and ended at Heeia Kea pier.

Those close to Torres say it is sad things had to get to this point"Everything we feared was going to happen, did happen," says Shalomar Silva, a friend of Torres.

The state land board will take up a proposal to approve emergency rules that set up a safety zone around the sandbar. The restrictions banning alcohol and disorderly conduct would be in place on weekends and holidays.

Earlier this month, Silva took part in a vigil for Torres calling for an end to alcohol-related violence. He is all for the crackdown on booze and unruly conduct at the sand bar for the sake of public health and safety."From people getting to hurt, it has escalated to what we really didn’t want to see, and that's losing someone. Maybe we should try it this way," said Silva. Silva has been out at the sandbar when it is peaceful, and when things have been out of control. He worries about enforcement, but is all for using Torres’ death as an example to spare others the grief his family his going through.

Makala Pua Kanuha who is Torres' aunt, says she too supports the new proposal for the safey of others. City lawyers decided not to prosecute the case after witnesses says that Torres threw the first punch and that the other man was defending himself. Torres died after he fell and hit his head on the pavement. The Medical Examiner’s Office found both alcohol and cocaine in Torres’ system. "A change needs to happen. People need to take responsibility for their actions and we make to come together and make a change, make a difference," says Silva. Other close friends of the Torres family are considering testifying at the land board meeting in favor of the emergency rules.

State land board chairman William Aila told KITV that if the board gives him the authority to move ahead with the rules, they will go in effect almost right away. "If the board gives me that approval, we will walk it over to the lieutenant governor and upon the lieutenant governor signing, it becomes a rule for the next 120 days," says Aila. The state will then have four months to decide how to make the rules permanent after evaluating it's effectiveness and getting public input about the restrictions.

Read more: http://www.kitv.com/news/28303956/detail.html#ixzz1Q1kh2wEJ

Killing as result of Sandbar Fight

2011-06-23T10:56:00.000-10:00

The state is considering new emergency rules for the Kaneohe sandbar.
The DLNR will hear discussion at its regular meeting Thursday.
The changes include adding a safety zone at the sandbar, preventing alcohol, disorderly conduct, and allowing the state to remove people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The sandbar is a popular spot on weekends and holidays. On Memorial Day 26-year-old Kamaka Torres died after a fight on the sandbar that continued at Heeia Kea Pier.

Patient walks away from Hawaii State Hospital

2011-05-02T14:06:00.000-10:00

46-year-old Darryl Prophet, a.k.a. Darryl Sumlin, escaped around 3:30 p.m. Friday.Prophet was committed to the mental hospital in December 2004 for charges of assault 2, considered to be a class C felony, according to his criminal record. Prophet was also found guilty of the same assault charge in January 1993. Read More

Traffic Calming at Anoi and Luluku Roads

2011-03-21T16:10:00.000-10:00

Jefferson Young, senior at Castle Highschool, has done a traffic study of the Anoi and Luluku intersection. View the power point by clicking here.

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board has received frequent testimony that speeding in residential areas is a major problem. The KNB has also received testimony that traffic calming interferes with emergency vehicles and is expensive to install.

The next steps needed to implement this project include determining what the DOT policies are in regard to traffic calming, deciding which traffic calming should be implemented and getting community support for a traffic calming project.

If you think this is an important problem, step up and help affect a solution.

Monk Seal Count

2011-02-23T08:18:00.000-10:00

Monk Seal census training. There will be a Monk Seal count in April. Learn what you need to know to participate. Click here.

PaCES Summer Program is soliciting applications

2011-02-01T11:38:00.000-10:00

Subject:	PaCES Summer Program
Date Received:	Tuesday, February 1, 2011 10:52:54 AM
Date Sent:	Tuesday, February 1, 2011 10:52:42 AM
From:	krupp

we are soliciting applications for our PaCES/HIMB Summer Program in Environmental Science for High School Students.  The dates for Summer 2011 are June 6 through July 16.  While we target students who will be either juniors or seniors during Fall 2011, we will accept applications from students who will be sophomores as well.  The students will receive college credits (four credits as BIOL 124 and 124L) and possibly a stipend (depends upon our budget).

We have extended our application deadline until February 25, 2011.

For more information, please visit

http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/paces/highschoolprg.html

and

http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/paces/highschoollink.html

The application for (pdf) may be downloaded from

http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/paces/application/application.html

Please share forward this email to anyone who you think may be interested.

Mahalo,
Dave
************************************
David A. Krupp, Ph.D
Professor of Marine & Biological Sciences
Faculty Coordinator, Pacific Center for Environmental Studies
Faculty Coordinator, Marine Option Program
Department of Natural Sciences
Windward Community College
45-720 Kea'ahala Road
Kane'ohe, HI 96744

Email:  krupp@hawaii.edu
Office Telephone:  (808)-236-9121
FAX:  (808)-247-5362

KNB Agenda Planning meeting

2011-01-31T08:30:00.002-10:00

KNB Agenda Planning meeting Tues. Feb 1 Kaneohe Community & Senior Center

Meeting tonight

2011-01-20T12:40:00.000-10:00

New Location:
Meeting Thursday 1/20/11 7 pm, Ben Parker School Cafetorium

New Crime Mapping information

2010-12-03T04:03:00.000-10:00

Where are car thefts and break-ins, robberies and grafitti happening in your neighborhoods. Keep informed about crime in your neighborhoods.

Check it out http://www.crimemapping.com/

Safe turn in - Old Prescription Drugs

2010-10-01T16:50:00.000-10:00

HELP PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH AND SAFETY
BY REMOVING UNUSED OR EXPIRED MEDICINE FROM YOUR HOME.

Starting September 25, 2010, the Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and community partners will take part in the first-ever nationwide prescription drug take-back.

You can turn in unused, unneeded, or expired prescription medications at collection sites across Hawaii. PLEASE VISIT WWW.HAWAII/GOV/AG FOR DATES AND LOCATIONS.

This service is FREE AND ANONYMOUS – no questions asked.

Tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage forms WILL be accepted.

Intravenous solutions, injectibles, and syringes WILL NOT be accepted.

The drugs will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines.

IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF YOUR UNUSED OR EXPIRED MEDICINE.

Unused or expired medicine should be disposed of properly when it is no longer needed for the illness for which it was prescribed.

        Medicines may lose their effectiveness after the expiration date.

        Improper use of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drug use.

Having unused and expired medicine in your home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse.

        In 2008, 6.2 million Americans aged 12 years or older abused prescription drugs – more than the total number of Americans abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined.

        Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends – including from home medicine cabinets.

Having unused and expired medicine in your home increases the risk of accidental poisoning.

        Homes where children or the elderly live are especially vulnerable to this danger.

        People may mistake one type of medicine for another type. Children may mistake medicine for candy.

Unused or expired medicine should not be thrown in the trash where others can find it.

        Proper disposal helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs being used inappropriately.

Unused or expired medicine should not be flushed down the toilet unless the label says it is flushable.

        Proper disposal helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call:      837-8470
Visit:     hawaii.gov/ag
E-mail: hawaiiag@hawaii.gov

KANEOHE – KAILUA WASTEWATER CONVEYANCE AND TREATMENT FACILITIES PROJECT

2010-09-24T18:40:00.000-10:00

PUBLIC INFORMATION / SCOPING MEETING

The City & County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services

will conduct a Public Information/Scoping Meeting on the

KANEOHE – KAILUA WASTEWATER CONVEYANCE AND

TREATMENT FACILITIES PROJECT

Kaneohe and Kailua, Island of Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is

considering two alternatives to supplement an existing force main conveying wastewater

from the Kaneohe Wastewater Pre-Treatment Plant near the Bayview Golf Course to the

Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Aikahi. The two alternatives are:

1. A proposed new force main to be located below the seafloor of Kaneohe Bay; and

2. A proposed new gravity tunnel to be located inland, beneath Oneawa Hills.

As part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) process, a public

information/scoping meeting will be held:

Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: Benjamin Parker Elementary School Cafeteria

45-259 Waikalua Road

Kaneohe, HI 96744

Availability of the Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) for public

review was published in the July 8, 2010 edition of the Office of Environmental Quality

Control’s The Environmental Notice.

The EISPN was prepared to inform interested parties of the alternatives being considered and seek comments during the preparation of the forthcoming Draft EIS. Comments will be accepted until October 12, 2010.

For more information regarding the meeting please contact Ms. Tracy Fukuda, Wilson

Okamoto Corporation (808) 946-2277, kkwastewater@wilsonokamoto.com.

Koolaupoko Sustainable Community Plan

2010-09-10T18:54:00.000-10:00

I attended the Second Scoping Meeting for the Koolaupoko Sustainable Community Plan (KSCP) on 9/9/10. Almost all the questions focused on the proposed expansion of Hawaii Memorial Park.

The bottom line of all the questions was zoning issues. I felt the answers given where very confusing with lots of irrelevant information given to simple complicate the answers. So, after the meeting, I researched the zoning and found that part of the existing cemetery is P-2 and part is AG. The undeveloped portion is zoned conservation by the state and P1 by the county. P1 is administered by the state and uses within P-1 zoning require a CDU permit. The land use commission rules on all CDUAs. therefore, any change in wording in the Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan is immaterial and only reflects what already existed in the county land-use ordinance.

The whole thing was a big hullabaloo over nothing. Only the Land Use Commission has jurisdiction over uses permitted on P1 zoned land. The LUC has already ruled against the proposed cemetery expansion. It is probable that when the make up of the LUC changes the Hawaii Memorial Park may re-submit their Conservation District Use Application. Opponents of the expansion are afraid that the change in wording in the KSCP will make it easier for the LUC to approve a re-submitted CDUA.

It should have been made clear at the meeting that cemeteries are not a permitted use on State Conservation Zoned land. The city ordinance specifically states that State Conservation Zoned land is administered by the state and is zoned P-1 by the county.

The following resolution was passed by the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board in February 09. A similar resolution was passed by the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF HAWAIIAN MEMORIAL PARK

WHEREAS, the property known as Tax Map Key 4-5-33 portion 001, currently owned by Hawaiian Memorial Park, SCI, zoned in Conservation; and

WHEREAS, Hawaiian Memorial Park, SCI is seeking to change the zoning to Urban and expand their operation; and

WHEREAS, our constituents and Legislators Senator Jill Tokuda and Representative Ken Ito, overwhelmingly desire to keep the land zoned in Conservation District; and

WHEREAS, the Ko`olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan (KSCP) currently does not permit development of the conservation-zoned property; and

WHEREAS, the Ko`olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan (KSCP) states that “The Ko1olaupoko sustainable Communities Plan…is one of eight community-oriented plans intended to help guide public policy, investment, and decision-making through the 2020 planning horizon.”; and

WHEREAS, the KSCP states that the Ko`olaupoko region is “envisioned to remain relatively stable. The plans for those regions have been titled “Sustainable Communities Plans’ and are focused on serving as policy guides for public actions in support of that goal. The vision statement and supporting provisions of the Ko`olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan are oriented toward maintaining and enhancing the region’s ability to sustain its unique character and lifestyle.”; and

WHEREAS, the adjacent neighborhood currently suffers from flooding during heavy rains; and

WHEREAS, Hawaiian Memorial Park (HMP) Draft Environmental Impact Statement 9DEIS), plans to retain only “additional” runoff per City and County drainage standard of a 10 year, 1-hour storm level, more water would exit the HMP property than under the current undeveloped state; and

WHEREAS, on July 23, 2007, more than 200 people attended a Kaneohe Neighborhood Board sponsored community meeting to voice their opposition against the development plans; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement received over 100 written comments in opposition to the development; there

BE IT RESOLVED, that the majority of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30, the constituents represented, and Legislators Senator Jill Tokuda and Representative Ken Ito, are opposed to the petition for changing the zoning designation from Conservation to Urban and for the planned expansion/development of Tax Map Key 4-5-33 portion 001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that is resolution be forwarded to the State Land Use Commission and any other agency where the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 position will be considered.

ADOPTED by Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 at its regular meeting of February 19, 200, by a vote of 9-3-1.

2010-09-05T10:22:00.000-10:00

9/7/10, 7pm, Kaneohe Neighborhood Board agenda planning meeting. Kaneohe Senior and Community Center.

Bring your concerns to the meeting, discuss them in an informal environment and get on the Regular Meeting Agenda.

Community voices concern about adding aircraft at MCBH

2010-08-27T21:52:00.001-10:00

The Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the basing and operation of 24 MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft as well as H-1 Cobra and Huey helicopters in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force units stationed in Hawaii.

Thursday night, the public had a chance to weigh in on the proposed plan during an EIS public scoping open house in Kaneohe.

"We're here get feedback from the public to hear their concerns and issues they would like to be addressed within the EIS process," said Maj. Alan Crouch, Public Affairs Office, Marine Corps Base hawaii.The public is invited to participate in two more public scoping open house meetings at the following locations:

But those who attended the meeting raised issue with the potential increase in noise.

"They are saying it won't be any louder than a helicopter, but the reality is it's much louder than a helicopter," said Don Mapes, Kaneohe resident.

Molokai: August 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Kaunakakai Elementary School Library, Ailoa Street, Kaunakakai.

Oahu: August 30, 5 to 8 p.m., Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School cafeteria, 41-1330 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo.

Public comments can also be on-line at: http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/mv22h1eis.

Additionally, written comments on the EIS can also be addressed to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134. Written comments must be postmarked or received by September 7, 2010.

Video of Kaneohe Scoping Mtg. http://www.kitv.com/video/24780356/?taf=hon

Fights, Castle High School

2010-08-27T21:49:00.000-10:00

Residents who live along Ihilani street near Castle High School say violence in their neighborhood has escalated.

"It's like swarms, they come in a swarm, they move around and then they just block the whole road," says Carol Paaoao, Ihilani street resident.

     Video posted on-line of fights erupting on her street. The brawls attract dozens of onlookers.

"You'll have up to 50 or 60 kids down here to watch two kids fight," said Brian Bianchin, Ihilani street resident.

     Bianchin and his neighbors say cars can't even drive up their street because of the crowd. And they say the fights began once school went back into session.

"And the minute the bell rang you could hear the sound from school," says Carol Pikulski, Ihilani street resident. "Here they were it was a repeat of last Wednesday."

"Last week I think it was Wednesday, happened again Thursday, happened again Monday, then yesterday another one, this morning another one," says Paaoao.

     The Honolulu Police Department says Kaneohe officers responded Wednesday to multiple calls of a fight, but when they arrived the fight was broken-up. HPD says that's usually been the case when officers have responded to similar calls.

"I'm tired of it, I don't know about everyone else, but I'm sick and tired of it," says Paaoao.

     Castle High School Principal Meredith Maeda says the school has been alerted of fights taking place off-campus. But says the school doesn't have jurisdiction. The Administration is working to find out which students are involved.

"They can say it's not on their campus, but you know it's their kids," says Bianchin.

     Many on this street say they are frightened to intervene.

"Somebody is going to get killed here. Somebody was down on the ground, they were getting kicked and to stand in my kitchen and not be able to do something was just frustrating. I was afraid to go outside," says Pikulski.

     Residents are banding together hoping someone steps up to help. They plan to bring the issue before both the Neighborhood Board and School Board.

Reported by: Brianne Randle
Email: brandle@khon2.com
Last Update: 8/26 10:15 pm

Flood Zone Maps Available

2010-08-26T10:50:00.000-10:00

It is recommended that everyone who is in a flood zone have insurance. The flood zone maps are independent of the tsunami maps. Flood zone maps are based on the probability of flooding during a 100 year storm.

Know you're potential for flooding by visiting the flood zone maps. To see your area, first click on the zoom in tab and then click on the area of the island you are interested in. You may need to zoom in multiple times to get the detail on your specific lot.

An average 6 escapes a year.

2010-08-25T12:32:00.000-10:00

Dangerous mental patients are a threat to Kaneohe and Oahu in general. The Windward State Hospital is not secure and no one is willing to fix the problem.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/Police_re-capture_escaped_state_hospital_patients.html

A threat to all of us.

2010-08-25T12:23:00.000-10:00

KITV on escapes from Windward State Hospital

http://www.kitv.com/video/24753182/index.html?taf=hon

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board has been attempting to get answers. Why are dangerous prisoners be allowed to take excursions where a single supervisor has now power to keep them from walking away? We have been basically stone walled for over two years. Basic measures to increase security or to even require the Windward State Hospital security plan are vetoed by Gov. Lingle.

Something is wrong, and no one is willing to even look at how it might be fixed. Caring for patients at the Hospital is a dangerous job. I have asked several caretakers if it is as bad as the media makes it out to be. The universal answer is, "The public doesn't know how bad it is."

We need an independent audit of the State Hospital by people with the authority to investigate problems and make recommendations. Then we need legislative support to correct the problems. The only way we get the problem solved is when you get involved.

Unauthorized tree cutting near Heeia State Park

2010-08-25T11:20:00.000-10:00

Question: There is a man who is apparently homeless and possibly mentally challenged who is destroying the trees along the roadside around the bridge between Kaneohe and Heeia State Park and from the park to Heeia Kea Harbor. He's also built rails, structures and corrals and painted bridge abutments. I've complained to the Mayor's Office a dozen times, called police and talked to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and couple of other organizations and nobody seems concerned. Can you help?

Answer: Officials know about the man, but stopping him apparently is another matter.

We received a similar complaint in February, about a homeless man whacking away at trees and shrubs in that area. At that time, both state and city officials told us the plants were not under either's jurisdiction.

City officials disclaimed responsibility again, saying it knows about the damage only anecdotally, because Kamehameha Highway and adjoining land are state-owned.

Initially, a spokeswoman for the Department of Land and Natural Resources said both the divisions of State Parks and Boating and Ocean Recreation knew about the man, but that he had not caused any problems on property under their jurisdiction.

This time, a State Parks maintenance supervisor was sent to check the areas in question. Some trees and brush, including mangrove, were cut on State Parks land on the makai side of Kamehameha Highway, said spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

But, there was an upside.

"Although the cuts made by a machete don't look good, they did clear branches away from the roadway," Ward said.

Aside from that, parks staff haven't been "able to determine when the person is cutting and how often," she said, so enforcement officers have been asked to find him "and ask him to stop doing this."

What if he doesn't stop? "We just have to take it one step at a time" and can't speculate on "what ifs," Ward said.

A police officer searched the area recently in response to our query and did not see any sign of the man or even any cut trees, said a spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department.

Meanwhile, the structures and "corrals" between the park and long bridge on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway are on land that belongs to the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

"We are aware of this person," said Chris Sadayasu, HCDA's community outreach officer.

But, HCDA does not have an enforcement arm and was not able to protect its Heeia property from trespassers and other problems.

However, this year, HCDA and the nonprofit group Kako'o ' Oiwi agreed on a 38-year lease for 405 acres of HCDA land in Heeia, for the Heeia Wetlands Restoration Project, Sadayasu said.

"Kako'o ' Oiwi is aware of (the man in question) and doing their best to make sure that he doesn't damage HCDA property," Sadayasu said.

Notes on 8/19/10 Meeting

2010-08-21T09:52:00.000-10:00

The Honolulu Century bike ride will take place from September 26. The century ride is the largest and oldest bicycling event in Hawaii. This will be its 29th year. The ride is a non-competitive family-oriented event that begins and ends at Kapiolani Park. Riders follow Oahu's Eastern and Windward shores with the option to ride 22 to up to 100 mile distances. The Hawaii Bicycle League expects 3000 riders. The bulk of those riders will pass through Kaneohe going out at about 8:30 in the morning and coming back at about 1:30 in the afternoon.

Be patient and share the road with the riders.

The Board had asked what can be done for homeless mentally ill people who refuse treatment. The answer is very little unless the court has mandated that they must receive treatment. There seems to be no public mental health treatment provided by any government agency in Hawaii.

Even when the court mandates treatment, the law does not specify who is responsible for providing mental health services. No agency is taking responsibility. The board asked Sen. Tokunda to look into the situation and determine if legislation is needed to mandate a specific agency provide court mandated services.

The Marine Corps Base Hawaii has issued a notice of preparation of an environmental assessment to base two squadrons of aircraft. We received testimony from a gentleman who is very concerned about the additional noise impact which can be expected. The Marines will be holding an informational meeting from five to 8 PM on 26 August at King Intermediate School.

Anita Balch reported on the community security patrol at Heeia Small Boat Harbor. She asked for community help and being alert to the possibility of illegal activities at the harbor.

The second version of the Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan will be presented in a meeting to be held at Windward Community College In Hale Akoakoa Room 105, 6 to 8 PM. This is a very important meeting because this plan will guide development in Kaneohe and Koolaupoko for years to come. it's important that we watch and comment on proposed amendments to the plan.

The city has entered into a settlement with the courts in which they will provide secondary treatment of sewage to be phased in over the next 25 years. Ikaika Anderson stated that he thinks the mandate for secondary treatment is a waste of money because UH studies have found primary treated sewage entering sea water is quickly neutralized.

It was announced that Target has acquired their lease in Kailua and their project is moving forward pending submission of and approval of a traffic improvement plan.

Bill 34 to control the use of fireworks has been deferred. There are many versions of this bill from one which would ban fireworks outride to one which would allow firecrackers and sparklers. Ikaika Anderson quoted a poll which he says found over 60% of Hawaii's population prefers the status quo.

Potential Veto List

2010-06-21T20:00:00.002-10:00

2010 Potential Veto List

From Gov. Linda Lingle

Bill No. Title
HB415 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY
Veto Explanation: Directs the auditor to conduct an expensive and unnecessary audit of the Department of Public Safety’s contracts with mainland prisons and the Honolulu federal detention center.HB444 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO CIVIL UNIONS
Veto Explanation: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.HB865 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
Veto Explanation: Establishes an unfunded mandate on the State Department of Transportation by setting up a working group to perform a feasibility study on transferring state highway maintenance functions to Maui County without providing resources or allowing adequate time for the study.HB921 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS
Veto Explanation: Complicates the transfer of 999-year homestead leases, bypassing existing statutes that provide for the determination of successorship.HB1015 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST FUND
Veto Explanation: Violates the Hawaii State Constitution by embracing more subjects than its title allows and creates ambiguities in the law by amending various provisions relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.HB1212 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO INFORMATION PRACTICES
Veto Explanation: Disallows the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs from disclosing pending complaints against a business or professional to the detriment of consumers who need the information for informed decision-making.HB1665 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN FISHPONDS
Veto Explanation: Prohibits the sale or transfer of government-owned Hawaiian fish ponds, which inadvertently results in the Department of Transportation caring for fish ponds that were intended to be made available to other organizations after being acquired as part of the Kalanianaole Highway widening project.HB1907 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO TAXATION
Veto Explanation: Adversely impacts Hawaii taxpayers and businesses by capping state income tax itemized deductions and making the capital goods excise tax credit nonrefundable for businesses until January 1, 2016, contrary to sound economic policy.HB2083 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO MILK LABELING
Veto Explanation: Requires milk beverages to be labeled with the date of pasteurization or the date of packaging without clearly defining what is considered pasteurized milk and which pasteurization date should be used; also takes Hawaii out of compliance with the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipper's Pasteurized Milk Regulations.HB2133 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT
Veto Explanation: Inappropriately requires the State Procurement Office to authorize reseller agreements in multi-state contracting agreements, and narrowly defines "local reseller."HB2152 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO BUILDING DESIGN FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Veto Explanation: Increases the cost of planning and designing housing, public buildings, and other construction by allowing the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) to charge a significant fee for the review of American Disabilities Act compliance, duplicating compliance reviews already done by professional architects and engineers.HB2239 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM
Veto Explanation: Increases the cost of dietary supplements and impacts consumers purchasing healthy beverages by repealing the exemption such supplements currently have from the expensive and ineffective Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container Recycling Program.HB2283 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
Veto Explanation: Subjects public employees and private entities to criminal sanctions under vague and non-specific principles of procurement ethics.HB2289 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO GIFT CERTIFICATES
Veto Explanation: Establishes fees on the issuance of gift certificates, reversing previous statutes that prohibited such fees.HB2318 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE HOMELESS
Veto Explanation: Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to establish programs and services without clearly defining the eligible population or providing a sustainable, long-term source of funding.HB2377 HD3 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Veto Explanation: Amends the Board of Education composition and member selection process in a manner that may not ensure the Board will be composed of members who reflect the best interests of the public and who understand the role of setting public education policies.HB2441 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT
Explanation: Creates unrealistic deadlines for the Department of Transportation and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to award public contracts on bid proposals, and encourages inappropriate relationships by specifying that gifts made to the State shall not constitute or require a procurement contract.HB2497 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS.Veto Explanation: Authorizes the issuance of up to $40,000,000 in Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to Carbon Bio-Engineers despite possible patent ownership and licensing issues associated with this firm.HB2583 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO IMPOUNDED VESSELS
Veto Explanation: Violates the Hawaii State Constitution by embracing more subjects than its title allows by adding provisions outside of the scope of impounded vessels.HB2644 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE
Veto Explanation: Increases the cost of waste disposal by expanding the current solid waste disposal fee to include solid waste disposed out-of-State.HB2708 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
Veto Explanation: Unnecessarily requires the Department of Transportation to establish administrative rules regarding the public involvement process, even though public involvement policies have already been adopted by the Department.HB2774 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES
Veto Explanation: Decreases the effectiveness of the Hawaii Premium Plus Program to create jobs by prohibiting the Department of Human Services from expending more than $5 million on the program within a nine-month period starting May 1, 2010.SB1105 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS AND PROCEDURES
Veto Explanation: Burdens state agencies with the task of preparing for hearings and briefings that are duplicative and waste state resources.SB2001 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION
Veto Explanation: Extends the Tax Credit for Research Activities by one year at the expense of the High Technology Business Investment Tax Credit and Technology Infrastructure Tax Credit, which must be repealed early on May 1, 2010 instead of December 31, 2010, reversing the State's commitments to job creating businesses and their investors.SB2020 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY
Veto Explanation: Extends Act 189, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, which changes the process for renegotiating the amount of rent during the term of an existing commercial or industrial lease, despite litigation that has deemed the Act unconstitutional.SB2045 SD1 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO CRIME
Veto Explanation: Proposes the establishment of class A and B sexual human trafficking offenses to prohibit conduct that is already prohibited under Hawaii law, and does not clearly define the prohibited conduct in a way that can be enforced and prosecuted in court.SB2165 SD1 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO PRIVATE GUARDS
Veto Explanation: Establishes registration and licensure requirements for security guards and individuals acting in a guard capacity that may not be appropriate for all guards in the industry.SB2324 SD2 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS
Veto Explanation: Violates the intent of Unemployment Insurance benefits by unfairly allowing certain partially unemployed individuals attached to a regular employer to continue receiving unemployment benefits even if they voluntarily quit their secondary part-time employment.SB2434 SD1 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO SALARIES
Veto Explanation: Allows hefty salary increases, including bonuses, for certain education staff including the Superintendent and Complex Area Superintendents, that could provide up to a maximum compensation of $250,000 per year without statutorily specific performance obligations.SB2473 SD1 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO HOUSING
Veto Explanation: Allows an unlimited number of grandchildren of elderly housing project residents to reside with seniors under certain situations even though elderly housing projects have limited space and are not designed to accommodate children.SB2491 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO TELEMEDICINE
Veto Explanation: Jeopardizes Federal funding for certain Medicaid services by allowing health plans under Medicaid or QUEST programs to deliver telehealth services in rural counties by mobile medical van without the approval of the Federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services or oversight by the Department of Human Services.SB2534 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO BAIL
Veto Explanation: Adversely impacts state and county law enforcement agencies by requiring them to divert limited resources to accept bail on weekends and holidays when the courts are closed, without the proper training, facilities or staffing.SB2547 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO SMALL BOAT HARBORS
Veto Explanation: Favors a specific landowner and certain tour operators by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to regulate commercial boat operators bringing visitors onto "quasi-public" property despite the Department lacking necessary resources to do so.SB2566 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION BENEFITS
Veto Explanation: Increases workers' compensation costs and the potential for conflicts of interest by allowing doctors to perform one-time diagnostic consultations at medical facilities in which they have a financial interest, without verification from the insurer or employer that the consultation is necessary.SB2610 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO CONVEYANCE TAX
Veto Explanation: Forces the Department of Taxation to reprioritize the scanning of its own tax documents and payment vouchers by requiring the Department to provide free digital images of property conveyance certificates to county real property assessment divisions by a specific time.SB2849 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND
Veto Explanation: Irresponsibly exempts from the state budget allotment process $478,025,239 in general fund appropriations to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund for fiscal year 2011.SB2883 SD1 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
Veto Explanation: Legislates a collective bargaining matter that may be preempted by the federal Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 by making it unlawful for employers to fire, demote, or withhold pay from an employee using accrued sick leave.SB2919 SD1 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL
Veto Explanation: Improperly transfers the responsibility for security at the Hawaii State Hospital from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety.SB2951 SD2 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
Veto Explanation: Discourages the use of public land for valid and necessary public purposes by providing unprecedented compensation to agricultural lessees of public land when such leases are withdrawn by the Department of Land and Natural Resources for public uses.

Psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults

2010-05-20T17:35:00.000-10:00

The Ko'olau Clubhouse, a psychosocial
rehabilitation program for adults, wants to help
decrease the stigma associated with mental
illness with an open house on May 26 from 3:30
to 6 p.m. at 46-016 Alaloa St.
The theme for the evening is Bring Change 2
Mind, Change a Mind Change a Life.
Interested people should RSVP at 233-3778 or e-
mail koolauclubhouse@hawaii.rr.com.

State's Psychiatric Patient Release Policies Questioned

2010-05-13T09:18:00.005-10:00

Several recent incidents involving individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders who were involved in violent crimes or dangerous behavior warrant public discussion on the need to balance the rights of an individual to privacy concerning medical treatment and the public's right to be safe and secure in their homes.

Joseph K. Navas
According to recent news stories, Joseph K. Navas, was indicted for a violent sexual attack of a woman in Mililani, has been committed to the Hawai'i State Hospital at least eight times for treatment of schizophrenia and was last released from the facility sometime after Feb. 11, 2009. The community was not notified of his release because state officials have taken the position that his right to privacy overrides the public's right to know and to be safe and secure in their homes.

Martin Boegel
In another recent case, Martin Boegel, 27, of Makiki, was shot and critically wounded by an off-duty agent on Tantalus Drive when he was seen acting in an aggressive manner while appearing to be armed with a handgun. According to Boegel's mother, her son suffers from a mental disorder that can be controlled by prescription drugs but her son stopped taking his medication. If he is found to be suffering from a mental disorder Martin Boegel may be sent to Kaneohe State Hospital where he may join, Adam Mau-Goffredo.

Adam Mau-Goffredo
He is the person who on the night of July 6, 2006, shot to death taxi driver Manh Nguyen and two bystanders, Jason and Colleen Takamori at Tantulus Lookout. He was also was accused of robbing a home nearby following the shootings. Mau-Goffredo was later ruled mentally unfit to stand trial and is being held at the Hawaii State Hospital.

In each of the foregoing cases, individuals committed violent crimes but have psychiatric conditions that would place them in the care of of the Kaneohe State Hospital. After several patients who had histories of violent behaviors turned up missing from the State Hospital, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board questioned hospital officials about their ability to secure patients who may pose a danger to the public and we were informed that patients cannot be incarcerated like prisoners since they are there for treatment. When asked if they could do more to inform the public when dangerous patients were released from the hospital we were informed that the patients' right to privacy overrode the public's right to know. Effectively overriding the public's right to be safe and secure in their homes as well. As a resident of Kaneohe and member of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, I am not satisfied with this policy and would like to raise this matter for public discussion. Please share your thoughts regarding the state's balancing of the rights of dangerous mental patients' and the public's right to be safe and secure in their homes.

A Variety of offerings from the Hawaiian Civic Club

2010-05-03T22:05:00.000-10:00

If you are in need of fresh air, exercise, and a
feeling of accomplishment - or are just plain
hungry for ono Hawaiian stew - the Ko`olaupoko
Hawaiian Civic Club has just what you need this
coming Saturday, May 8th.

Two service projects are on tap on Saturday,
including cleaning of the lo`i kalo (taro fields) at
He`eia and clearing invasive alien limu
(seaweed) from the reef at Kualoa beach.

Both service projects run from 8 a.m. to noon,
according to the civic club.

Work at the lo`i is part of the Mahuahua Ai o
Hoi, kalo restoration project at He`eia, and
involves clearing vegetation, preparing and
planting the area with taro. The project, under
the coordination of the non-profit Kako`o `Oiwi,
is in partnership with the Ko`olaupoko Hawaiian
Civic Club

Volunteers are also needed to assist the
Hakipu`u Learning Center charter school and
Hawaiian Electric Company in cleaning invasive
limu from the reef offshore of Kualoa beach.

Anyone interested in working at either location
is urged to contact the civic club at 235-8111 by
Friday for registration and further information

The civic club is also holding a Hawaiian stew
plate lunch fundraiser on Saturday, with pickups f
rom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the Atrium Building,
46-005 Kawa St., in Kane`ohe.

Advance ticket orders are recommended, as the
plate lunch specials are usually sold out quickly.

To order your $8 plate lunch, contact Kona
Pelekai at ph. 218-2319 by Thursday, May 6.

Mahealani Cypher

Internship opportunity at He'eia Fishpond

2010-04-29T16:37:00.000-10:00

Announcing another internship opportunity at He'eia Fishpond.

This one is for folks that might be interested in helping with scientific research conducted in the fishpond.

The Laulima a 'Ike Pono (LAIP) project is a collaborative project between Paepae o He'eia, the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology and the University of Hawai'i's Department of Oceanography. We support research at He'eia Fishpond that helps us better understand our dynamic fishpond environment, this research, in turn, will help to inform us how to better care for and manage our fishpond. Interns will not only assist in research activities, but will learn from fishpond practitioners and kupa'aina (locals) of the area.

Mahalo,

Hi'ilei Kawelo Executive Director Paepae o He'eia, He'eia Fishpond www.paepaeoheeia.org office: 236-6178 fax:234-1999

Aquaponics Facility Tours

2010-04-29T11:19:00.000-10:00

HPU Aquaponic Facility Video Tour from Jojoba Duo on Vimeo.

Below are the times/dates that Dr. Primavera has available for tours of the new Aquaponics Facility at Hawaii Pacific University. This facility was featured in a MidWeek article that appeared earlier this year that can be viewed at http//vimeo.com/9847748

Dr. Louis Primavera will conduct tours at 9 a.m. on the following days:

Saturday, April 24
Saturday, May 1
Saturday, May 8
Saturday, May 15

To make reservations contact (808) 236-5834 or email lprimavera@hpu.edu

He'eia State Park

2010-04-27T07:10:00.000-10:00

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Staff Writer
HE'EIA - A state judge yesterday put on hold a management change at He'eia State Park, one day before Kama'aina Kids was scheduled to take over.

Circuit Judge Rom Trader issued a temporary restraining order against the switch, allowing the Friends of He'eia to remain at the park for now, said Friends board member Tony Locricchio.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources last week announced it had awarded a new management contract to Kama'aina Kids, a nonprofit organization and one of the largest childcare operations in the state.

That would oust the Friends of He'eia, which has operated at the park for 26 years.
The 18-acre park is on the shore of Kāne'ohe Bay, about 1 1/4 miles north of Kāne'ohe. Various community programs use its facilities, and its rental banquet hall is a popular site for weddings, baby lū'au and other events.

The state declined to comment on the restraining order and said it is "sorting out" the judge's order, DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said.

DLNR Director Laura H. Thielen said the process in which the contract was awarded has passed administrative and legal review.

Locricchio said Friends of He'eia has paid rent until the end of August and should be allowed to remain. He already has tried other avenues to fight the management switch, including going to court, but failed.

"We're legitimate legal tenants through Sept. 1," he said. "So five months early, they are attempting to force us out so they can turn it over to Kama'aina Kids in time for huge profits that Kama'aina Kids will get from the summer programs."

DLNR enforcement officers were stationed at the park gate and turned people away.

The Friends of He'eia, a nonprofit group, has operated out of two buildings in the park for 26 years, offering cultural and environmental programs and providing a place for other groups to teach hula, tai chi, kendo, yoga, canoe building and other activities, some at no charge.

In announcing the change last week, DLNR said the public still will have access to the park and be able to rent the banquet facility.

In February, the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board voted to oppose awarding the park management contract to Kama'aina Kids.

A recent meeting of the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board aired many concerns from the public about this decision, said David Henken, board chairman.

"Most of the concern were from members of the public ... that this was a back-door approach to get privatization of park resources," Henken said.

The park property contains burial sites and a heiau and is a place that Hawaiians believe is where souls are judged and sent to He'eia-uli, the black place, or He'eia-kea, the white place, said Rocky Kaluhiwa, who lives in He'eia and is a member of the Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club.

Kaluhiwa said she studied Kama'aina Kids plan for the area and it included a new pier and kayaking, which do not conform to the Kāne'ohe Bay Master Plan.

"We didn't want any new businesses in the bay, nor did we want anymore piers in the bay," she said.
Ray Sanborn, president of Kama'aina Kids, said his plans for the area are not finalized but do include a day camp for children and activities similar to what is now offered there, including interpretive programs, free guided tours, a garden project and pavilion rental.

The free classes and programs that are offered there now will stay, including the canoe building and hula, Sanborn said. Other programs, including those for adults and for tourists, will be added, he said.
Sanborn said he wants to refurbish the buildings and improve the property, through grant proposals.
"I think we can really support the park and put a lot into it," he said. "It might really support the whole (state) park renaissance. This might be a model that's going somewhere else."

Thielen said she heard the community's concerns and adjusted the contract to ensure that the lease is clear that the park is a public place. The state followed the procurement code and ranked all proposals numerically with the contract going to the proposal with the highest score, she said, adding that the process withstood challenges before the department, another state agency and a judge.

The state had been poised to grant The Friends an extended lease but other organizations wanted a chance to bid on the facility, Thielen said. Three organizations bid, including the Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club.

Kama'aina Kids will take full responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the park plus pay the state 5 percent of its gross revenue from activities at the park.

"If anything, what people are going to see is increased presence and maintenance out there," she said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Kaneohe Neighborhood Board April 15

2010-04-21T03:27:00.000-10:00

HFD fire tip of the month

Take care with propane grills. Propane is invisible and highly explosive. If you grill doesn't light in 10 seconds, turn it off, keep it open so the gas can dissipate and wait five minutes before trying to light it again.

Use only approved lighter fluid when ligting charcoal grills. Do not leave a charcoal grill unattended and make sure the coals are cold before disposing of them. Mix water into the ash and make sure any charcoal that floats is throughly wet so it sinks.

HPD reports that safe robberies are up. Be sure your safe is secured to something solid.

Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan meeting will be held in Kaneohe at Camp Kokokahi YWCA from 6:30 to 8:30 on May 11. At the meeting preliminary watershed management and strategies will be explained and public input will be solicited.

Primavera Aquaponics made a presentation about a system they have developed which will make do-it-yourself sustainable agriculture a reality. Check out http://vimeo.com/9847748

Anyone interested in Kaneohe Bay should check out "Friends of Kaneohe Bay" on FaceBook or contact bsager@lava.net to join and advocate for the Bay. The Friends of Kaneohe Bay will suppliment the work of the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council. Legislation passed this year will preserve the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council as the community advisor to DLNR, but DLNR support for the Council has been eliminated. The Friends of Kaneohe Bay is the organization that will address issues in the Bay. It is your voice concerning management in the Bay.

Mayor's April 2010 Newsletter

2010-04-18T17:04:00.000-10:00

The Mayor's April Newsletter is available here. He points out that deep cuts in county programs will be necessary if the State Legislature takes the hotel room tax away from the county.

Mayor's April 2010 Report to KNB

2010-04-18T16:57:00.000-10:00

The report is available here

Community work day April 24 at Waikalua Loko Fishpond

2010-04-06T10:28:00.000-10:00

Waikalua Loko Fishpond will be the site of a
community work day April 24 that will includes
learning more about the ancient Hawaiian way of
raising fish. The event is from 8 a.m. to noon.
Families, individuals, school groups and
community groups are welcome to participate in
the cleanup project to remove mangrove and
seaweed from the pond.
Participants are asked to bring sunscreen, work
gloves and a water bottle. People should wear
long work pants and covered shoes for mangrove
removal, or surf shorts and tabis for limu
removal.
Pre-registration is required. Call Andrea 263-
8202 or e-mail jepsona001@hawaii.rr.com.

Star Bulletin Article about KNB

2010-04-05T11:28:00.001-10:00

Excellent article about Kaneohe Neighborhood Board and issues facing the board

Racing on H-3

2010-04-04T22:38:00.000-10:00

Noise from the wound-up Navy personnel racing their motorcycles on the H-3 on Friday and Saturday night is a nightmare. They think the H-3 is their race track. The police don't seem to care, but we have to hear it every weekend til 3 AM. The Marines and the Navy constantly use the freeway with heavy trucks using no mufflers at all hours of the night. They have no regard that they are traveling through a residential neighborhood. That's something that has changed the neighborhood a lot. It was more peaceful in the old days.

May is Bike Month

2010-03-31T16:05:00.000-10:00

May is Bike Month, and to kick it off, we’re having a poster contest for children in grades kindergarten through high school. You may remember the Bicycle Safety Resolution that was supported by 30 out of 33 neighborhood boards, OMPO and the Honolulu City Council. As a follow up to these resolutions, the contest is “Make it Safe for Me” to ride my bike.

UPDATE: Police Capture Hawaii State Hospital Escapee

2010-03-22T21:19:00.000-10:00

UPDATE: Police Capture Hawaii State Hospital Escapee

Reported by: Ron Mizutani
Email: rmizutani@khon2.com
Last Update: 3/22 8:02 pm

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UPDATE: Hawaii State Hospital Escapee is Captured

UPDATE:
Police responded to Kokololio Beach Park early Monday evening after receiving tips from the public about Alexander Aehegma's whereabouts.
Aehegma was arrested there without incident, and transported back to Hawaii State Hospital where he will undergo medical tests.
------------------------
Another patient from the Hawaii State Hospital is on the run, the second escapee in four months. And like the previous case, this patient is also a registered sex offender.
Alexander Aehegma has nine previous charges including sex assault, robbery and abuse. At 8-20 Sunday night, the 28-year-old Aehegma walked a way from a group meeting at a Kaneohe church to go to the bathroom and never returned.
"After failing to return for approximately 10-to-15 minutes they went and checked on him and he has not been seen so obviously he fled from the area," said Sgt. Kim Buffet of Crimestoppers.
Last May, Aehegma was featured on a Crime Stoppers television program, Hawaii Island's Most Wanted for violating terms of conditional release in a kidnapping, sexual assault and felony abuse case. He was acquitted of those charges due to mental incapacity. He was committed to the state hospital last October.
"He is an escapee so unknown you know he might fight off to not want to go back so we ask that nobody approach him and that they call 911 or Crimestoppers," says Buffet.
Aehegma is 5-foot-9, weighs 150 pounds and has red hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing long pants, a tan collared shirt and athletic shoes.
He is the second escapee in four months. On December 3, 2009, 30-year-old David True Seal climbed over a 15-foot chain-link fence at the state hospital. He was spotted near the Stairway to Heaven two hours later but hasn't been seen since.
"I don't think anybody knows where he is or if they're casing him its certainly not public," said state Sen. Clayton Hee who represents the Kaneohe district.
Seal was committed to the hospital after he was acquitted by reason of insanity of attempted sex assault and kidnapping of a young girl in 2000.
Lawmakers say the hospital sees about six escapes a year and numerous assaults. Due to budget cuts, private security guards patrol the property.
"It makes you wonder how safe is that facility not only to the community that neighbors the hospital but to the students at Windward Community College and its faculty," said Hee. "I hate to say it but people wonder if when's the next one?"

Summary of KNB Meeting 3/18/10

2010-03-21T10:05:00.001-10:00

Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Meeting, 3/18/10

Kaneohe Community and Senior Center

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board March 3 meeting was held at the Kaneohe Community and Senior Center. Future meetings will be held at the Senior Center until a meeting room at Windward Community College can again be arranged.

The Hawaii Fire Department tip of the month addressed the dangers of boiling Easter eggs. Scalding is one of the major sources of injury to young children. Always turn the handles of pots to the back of the stove. If possible, boil your eggs on the back of the stove. Cooking and boiling pots fascinate curious, young children. Watch your children closely whenever you are cooking. Take special care when carrying a boiling pot of water between your stove and your sink. Do not leave children unattended when you have hot liquids on your stove. Be aware that the artificial grass in Easter egg baskets is very flammable. Keep your Easter egg baskets away from open flames. Also, be aware that small candies and other small objects are a choking hazard.

The most controversial issue brought up at the meeting involved the new property tax classifications. The new classifications are “home owner” and “non-homeowner”. Anyone with a second building on their lot will be subject to the non-homeowner classification. Even if the live in their home and have relatives living in the second home they will loose their home owner classification and related home owner excemptions. Even if the second building is used for storage, the home owner will be classified as a non-home owner. The trigger which will cause you to loose your home owner classification is whether or not you have a second building on your lot.

The non-homeowner classification was passed last year with very little public notice. Property owners who fall in the non-homeowner classification will find out they have been hit with a major increase in their property tax when their loan company informs them that the escrow payments must be substantially increased to cover the higher property tax.

The Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) has been the community’s voice for Kaneohe Bay for over 20 years. Legislation passed last year will sunset the KBRC at the end of this fiscal year. SB2340 SD1 will rescind the terminating legislation. Rep Ito saved the legislation at the last minute by reassigning it as single referral and scheduling a hearing for Monday morning 3/22. The community is forming a “Friends of Kaneohe Bay” to help supplement the work of the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council. To find out what is happening in Windward Oahu take a look at http://koolaupoko.wordpress.com.

Security at the Hawaii State Hospital was reduced when the Department of Public Safety (DPS) security officers where replaced by a private security company. Two weeks after the change and accused murder and rapist walked out of the Hospital. He is still at large. The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board has expressed concerns about inadequate security which allows dangerous patients to walk away. SB2919 SD1 makes it clear that the DPS is responsible for security at the Hawaii State Hospital and asks the Dept of Health to report to the legislature as to the plans and strategies to provide adequate security for dangerous patients at the Hospital.

Furlough Fridays where discussed. Basically, our kids are going to school four days a week. Hawaii has fewer instructional days than any other state. Sen Tokuda introduced SB2124 SD2 to permit the state to use the Hurricane Relief Fund to restore needed funding to get our kids back to school. Senator Tokuda stated that it is to late to effect furlough fridays in this school year. Even if the legislature provides needed funds the Governor can refuse to release them. Much depends on negotiations with between the Governor and the Teachers Union. Funds will not be released until an agreement can be reached.

Speeding in residential areas is perhaps the most prevalent complaint brought to the neighborhood board. HPD has testified that they do not have the manpower necessary to monitor speeding in residential areas and that they are on top of the problem. Contradictory testimony? Many residents have testified that residential speeding is a problem.

Most recently, the board received testimony that they have seen two children hit by cars at the intersection of Haiku Rd and Heeia St. Fortunately the children where not hurt. Therefore, the accidents were not reported. The KNB submitted a letter to Councilman Anderson asking that a traffic study be conducted to see what can be done to make the pedestrian crossing at this intersection safer. Speeding on Haiku Rd is routine.

The KBR council researched what other communities are doing and found that many communities set up a citizen road watch system in which citizens are provided with speed measuring equipment and document where and when speeding is a problem. This gives the police data they need to make the traffic monitoring more effective. The KNB submitted a resolution asking the HPD to set up a Citizen Road Watch program. HPD rejected the proposal based on cost.

Senator Tokuda first introduced legislation to set up a Citizen Road Watch program in 2007. Currently, Senator Tokuda will introduce a resolution to set up a task force to recommend a process to develop a Citizen Road Watch program in Hawaii. Ultimately the purpose of the program is to identify areas where residential speeding is a problem and educate drivers about the dangers of speeding in residential neighborhoods.

The KNB frequently receives testimony from neighbors who are concerned about noise, traffic and dangerous behavior of residents of these homes.

The state law was amended so that drug and substance abuse group homes did not have to seek conditional use permits from the county in order to be located in residential areas as part of an Omnibus anti-crime measure passed about 5-6 years ago despite the vocal objections by KNB and many others.

After many community complaints the law was later amended to require "informational" meetings by operators.

KNB has always objected to any exemption from the public hearing requirement and has never taken the position that they are legal and therefore nothing can be done. KNB has consistently said that the exemption was ill-advised and that residents should always be able to have a say in whether such group homes can be located in their respective neighborhoods.

Providing public input to the governmental decision making process is the purpose of the Neighborhood Boards.

Senator Tokuda submitted legislation addressing the problem but it died in committee. She will be introducing a resolution calling for the Department of Health (DOH) to provide oversight and accountability over these facilities.

Clean and Sober Homes and Halfway houses provide an important service in our communities. Most operate responsibly, but a few continually violate laws that ensure not only the safety and well-being of neighbors, but also the welfare of individuals living inn the facilities. The resolution will ask DOH to address the problems of regulation and oversight.

The Kiwanis Club of Kaneohe will hold the 49th Annual Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast at Benjamin Parker Elementary School on May 9 from 6:30 am to 11:00 am. For tickets contact Joshua Chang, 392-3731.

The homeless camp on the Kailua side of Kaneohe Stream makai of Kamehameha Hwy has been a concern for some time. Private land owners of the property occupied by campers are being asked to have the homeless arrested as trespassers. The Windward Homeless Coalition has be alerted to the problem and will be intensifying efforts to help the campers find suitable housing.

Obviously, pushing the homeless from one location to another is no solution. Many organizations try to address the problems of the homeless, but their efforts are often uncoordinated. The Mayor has stated,”if we’re not willing to step forward, homelessness will continue to plague us.” He has set up a working group of County agencies to work with other government agencies, business and non-profits. The problems of the homeless are “beyond the capability of any single entity to solve.”

The Census Bureau made a presentation. They want everyone to know that personal information collected is absolutely private and not shared with anyone. It is important to get an accurate count. Federal funds are distributed based on census data. In the last census they estimate that 40% of Hawaii’s population was not counted. That means that we are loosing 40% of potential Federal contributions.

Everyone is urged to fill out the Census form they received in the mail. When forms are not received, a Census interviewer has to make a personal visit to collect information. A personal visit costs us $50 as opposed to less than a dollar when forms are returned.

Two important plans effecting the Kaneohe are being reviewed and updated. One is the Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan and the other is the Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan. Final drafts are being prepared. Community meetings to receive testimony on the final drafts will be held in late spring.

The Sustainable Communities Plan can be seen at:

http://www.honoluludpp.org/planning/devsust_koolaupojo.asp.

The Watershed Management Plan can be seen at:

http://www.hbws.org/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=2124

New property tax classification affect Ohana Housing

2010-03-20T21:38:00.000-10:00

https://www.realpropertyhonolulu.com/portal/rpadcms/FAQ?parent=FAQ#ho

The following is from the BFS website:

1. Homeowner/Non-Homeowner Land Classes

ORDINANCE 09-32 - NEW HOMEOWNER AND NON-HOMEOWNER LAND CLASSES

Effective with the 2010-2011 tax year, Ordinance 09-32 replaces the RESIDENTIAL land class with two new classes: HOMEOWNER and NON-HOMEOWNER.

The HOMEOWNER class includes properties used as a residence that have been granted a home exemption for each dwelling unit on the parcel, or that have been granted a dedication for residential use under Section 8-7.5, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990 (“ROH”). Properties operating as transient vacation units or bed and breakfast homes under ROH Section 21-4.110 are excluded from the HOMEOWNER class.

The NON-HOMEOWNER class includes a parcel or portion thereof which is used as a residence but has not been granted a home exemption for each dwelling unit on the parcel, and also includes vacant land zoned residential, apartment, or country.

Properties classified as hotel and resort, commercial, industrial, agricultural, preservation, public service, and vacant agricultural are not eligible for the HOMEOWNER or NON-HOMEOWNER classes.

IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE HAVE THEM CALL THE REAL PROPERTY ASSESSOR’S INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 768-3799. A PERSON DOES ANSWER THE PHONE, LET IT RING TILL SOMEONE PICKS UP.

Current Plan Reviews and Revisions

2010-03-20T21:00:00.000-10:00

Two community plans are being revised. One is the Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan and the other is Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan.

Currently, the the final draft of the Sustainable Community Plan is being completed a final community meeting will be held to get comments on the final draft.

The Watershed Management Plan final draft is being prepared. The consultant plans meetings in Waimanalo, Kailua, Kaneohe and Kahaluu to get testimony on the final draft. The most striking thing in the plan is how vulnerable the Windward side is to drought. Our water comes from a relative limited dike system that drains quickly.

Here are the websites for each plan:

Sustainable Communities Plan http://www.honoluludpp.org/Planning/DevSust_Koolaupoko.asp

Next community meeting May or June

Watershed Management Plan http://www.hbws.org/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=2124

Next round of community meetings April and/or May

Comments can still be sent to Andrew Choy at andrew@townscapeinc.com, (808)-536-6999

Support SB2919 Qualified Security at Hawaii State Hospital

2010-02-25T16:58:00.001-10:00

Assure quality security at Hawaii State Hospital. Support SB2919

Homeless In Kaneohe

2010-02-25T16:21:00.001-10:00

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board at several recent meetings has heard testimony concerning homeless people living in the brush along Kaneohe Stream makai of the Kaneohe Stream Bridge on Kamehameha Hwy. Concerns include trash and sanitation plus occasional disruptive behavior.

Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Honors Lawrence Zdvoracek for his service to the Community

2010-02-23T11:42:00.001-10:00

Kaneohe, Hawaii – February 18, 2010 – The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board has recognized longtime resident and board member Larry Zdvoracek for his many years of community service. The recognition and award coincides with the observance of his 90th birthday.

Mr. Zdvoracek was born in St. Louis, MO. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and was stationed in Hawaii from 1937-1941. He lived in Waikiki during the 40’s where he learned to surf. He met his wife on a blind date while still in the Navy and was married on 2/14/41. He served as air warden in Kaimuki during the Second World War.

He served as a Kahu, paster, on Kauai and Oahu during the 50s and 60s. He worked for the Federal Government for 20 years both here and in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the Washington D.C. chapter of the Hawaii State Society from 1966 through the 90’s. He played base ukulele and sang in the Mahina Bailey Halau in the 60s and with the Aloha Serenaders in the 70s.

He raised funds for Danny Akaka and Cec Heftel in Washington, D.C.

Since moving back to Kaneohe in 1987 Mr. Zdvoracek has been an active member in the community. Mr. Zdvoracek was first elected to the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board in 1995, served as its chair and continues to serve as an at-large member of the board. In addition, Mr. Zdvoracek also serves as a member of the Kokokahi Community Association.

Meeting 2/18 NEW LOCATION

2010-02-17T13:56:00.002-10:00

Meeting will be at the Kaneohe Community and Senior Center. 45-613 Puohala St, Kaneohe 7PM

Hawaii State Hospital Security

2010-02-04T14:49:00.000-10:00

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board cannot take action on this resolution until our 2/18 meeting at the Kaneohe Senior Center. However, every reader of this blog is encouraged to send this resolution as testimony in support of current legislation, SB2919

Its easy. Click here and click on submit testimony in the second block down. Follow instructions. Copy this reso to your clip board and paste it where the instructions ask for testimony.

RESOLUTION TO URGE THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES FOR ADEQUETE AND PROPERLY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED SECURITY PERSONNEL AND PROTOCOLS THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL

WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Hospital houses patients who need to be kept in a secured facility for their own protection and for the safety of others; and

WHEREAS, some patients have been referred to that facility by the court system as a result of the danger posed to themselves and to others due to their psychological condition; and,

WHEREAS, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 is concerned that security personnel at the Hawaii State Hospital may lack the expertise and training necessary to ensure that the Hawaii State Hospital is a safe and secure facility; and

WHEREAS, recent escapes and assaults on staff have raised community concerns of the potential safety and security issues; and

WHEREAS, The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 strongly urges the Hawaii State Legislature to adopt legislation that would provide for and ensures adequate and properly trained and equipped security personnel and protocols, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Wil Espero, Chair, Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, the Honorable David Ige, Chair Senate Health Committee, the Honorable Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senate Ways and Mean Committee, the Honorable Jill Tokuda, Senator 24th District, the Honorable Clayton Hee, Senator 23rd District, the Honorable Pono Chong, State Representative 49th House District, the Honorable Ken Ito, State Representative 48th House District.

Proposed Resolution Regarding Security at the Hawaii State Hospital

2010-02-04T14:08:00.000-10:00

Board member Myles Yamamoto is proposing the following Resolution regarding security at the Hawaii State Hospital. The resolution will be considered at the next meeting of the board on Thursday Feb. 18 at the Kaneohe Senior Center.

RESOLUTION TO URGE THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES FOR ADEQUETE AND PROPERLY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED SECURITY PERSONNEL AND PROTOCOLS THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL

WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Hospital houses patients who need to be kept in a secured facility for their own protection and for the safety of others; and

WHEREAS, some patients have been referred to that facility by the court system as a result of the danger posed to themselves and to others due to their psychological condition; and,

WHEREAS, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 is concerned that security personnel at the Hawaii State Hospital may lack the expertise and training necessary to ensure that the Hawaii State Hospital is a safe and secure facility; and

WHEREAS, recent escapes and assaults on staff have raised community concerns of the potential safety and security issues; and

WHEREAS, The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 strongly urges the Hawaii State Legislature to adopt legislation that would provide for and ensures adequate and properly trained and equipped security personnel and protocols, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Wil Espero, Chair, Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, the Honorable David Ige, Chair Senate Health Committee, the Honorable Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senate Ways and Mean Committee, the Honorable Jill Tokuda, Senator 24th District, the Honorable Clayton Hee, Senator 23rd District, the Honorable Pono Chong, State Representative 49th House District, the Honorable Ken Ito, State Representative 48th House District.

Communicate with Kaneohe Neighborhood Board

2010-02-03T14:44:00.000-10:00

The board is considering using facebook and twitter to communicate with residents and officials. We want to invite public input regarding our intentions, and we have set up facebook and twitter accounts test the idea. The public is invited to sign on and subscribe in order to see how these technological tools can best be utilized.

Step one: Create your twitter and facebook accounts

Step two: on twitter search for kaneohenb30.
On facebook search for kaneohe neighborhood board. Become a fan.

Illegal fireworks

2009-12-31T11:38:00.000-10:00

I would like to comment about the illegal fireworks situation we are currently encountering. Yes, in Kaneohe too, we and our animals have been subjected to the nightly bombs since about Thanksgiving. What makes me especially angry now is that if our state legislators had done the right thing earlier this year, we might not be enduring all this.
Rep. Roy Takumi introduced bills in January to effectively ban all fireworks except in public displays. The House Committee on Public Safety gutted these bills, made them ineffective by negating the intended effect, and passed them on to the House Judiciary Committee. Now we again are suffering through another horrendous holiday season.
We innocent citizens are held hostage for weeks by the illegal actions of a few thugs. The police can't — and at least in Kaneohe, won't — even attempt to do anything and our state government turns a deaf ear.
The House Committee on Public Safety chairperson can be reached at 586-6530. I would urge anyone who is concerned about this situation to call and describe the illegal activities you are experiencing.
Gary Johnson
Kaneohe

Hawaii State Hospital

2009-12-30T13:01:00.000-10:00

Joseph Joyce, 44, was judged not guilty of attempted second-degree murder, unauthorized entry into a dwelling and first-degree terroristic threatening. He was committed to the Hawaii State Hospital.

Joyce told three mental health experts he thought he was in the Middle East and that the president of Iran lived in the building. He said he intended to kill the Iranian president and to place a red, white and blue T-shirt he was wearing on the roof of the building to warn Americans.

Police said he attempted to throw a 63 year-old security guard off a 26th floor lanai of a University Avenue high rise.

Joyce has a long history of mental illness and had been receiving Social Security income for his disability. Kaneohe residents are very concerned that security at the State Hospital is inadequate to hold dangerous patients.

Fireworks

2009-12-25T12:50:00.000-10:00

Fireworks complaints to the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board are common this time of year. People with emphysema are particularly at risk from the bad air associated with New Years celebrations. Allergy sufferers lock them selves up in a sealed room, and pet owners feed their pets tranquilizers.

In short, not everyone likes fireworks. The police and fire departments have a consistent position opposing all fireworks except those carried out by professional shows.

Be safe. Kids shouldn’t light fireworks. Limit the kids to sparklers and even then make sure they don’t step on a hot wire or play with them irresponsibly.

Have a safe and happy New Years. For more information regarding our fireworks laws and permits click here.

Fireworks are an important cultural tradition for many in Hawaii. Tell us what you think.

Yamashiro family honored for support of Christmas Parade

2009-12-22T14:00:00.000-10:00

Patty Yamashiro-Hironaka received honors for the Yamashiro Family for their long term support of the Kaneohe Christmas Parade. Art Machado presented the award on behalf of the Kaneohe Christmas Parade Committee.

Art announced that donations have been less this year. He said the Committee needs about $3000 dollars more in order to pay this years bills. He is selling T-Shirts and is asking the support of the community.

Senator Jill Tokuda named 2009 Citizen of the Year

2009-12-11T08:20:00.000-10:00

Senator Jill Tokuda has been named 2009 Citizen of the Year by the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board. The board unanimously voted to honor Sen. Tokuda in recognition of her outstanding service to our Kaneohe community during the past year. Board members considered her legislative accomplishments, personal involvement in addressing residents' concerns, her efforts in keeping her community informed and her attendance at Neighborhood Board meetings.

Hawaii State Hospital

2009-11-01T08:18:00.000-10:00

My Grandma used to call it Penney wise and Pound Foolish. State government is desperately trying to balance the state budget, but their simplistic approach to the problem is apt to backfire. The Hawaii State Hospital is an example. Required furloughs are stressing a staff that must provided 24/7 service to patients. The result is not only added stress, but financial idiocy. Overtime payments to cover staff not available due to furloughs exceed the savings. Further. the freeze on hiring has stressed the staff and increased overtime costs.

Through out the state, offices are close. Employees are swamped by work loads that were difficult before furloughs. Environmental, social, educational and every other program vital to the state are cut and in trouble.

Our legislators need to show some guts and decide what is important and they need to decide how we are going to pay for them even if it means raising taxes. Across the board pay cuts and furloughs are not good management. They are a copout. Just an opinion of Bill Sager

Report on HECO Alternate Energy Briefing.

2009-11-01T06:09:00.000-10:00

Hawaii is more dependent on foreign oil than any other state. Any disruption in the middle east will have a devastating impact on our economy. When the price of oil went to $148/barrel, Hawaii’s economy crashed. Anyone who thinks the present $80/barrel price won't go back up just isn’t realistic.

Ten percent of Hawaii’s GDP goes to import oil, and that money, over 6 billion dollars per year, goes to countries that don’t like us much. Any disruption in the Middle East can destroy our economy.

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, aims to meet 40 percent of the state's energy needs through renewable sources by 2030. http://ow.ly/xQfA

An important part of that project is tying Molokai and Lanai, which have the wind power potential, to Oahu. An undersea cable between these island is being planned. The proposal involves landing power cables on Oahu at to locations. There will be two landing sites for the cable. One will be in town. The other will be on or near the Marine Base and follow either the Oneawa Canal or the H3 right-of-way to the power station located near the junction of the H3 and Kamehameha Hwy.

Governor Lingle has issued a Request for Proposal for an Environmental Impact Statement for undersea power transmission cables between Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Oahu a year ago. There was no indication of this at the meeting and no update on the status of the RFP. Of course, they did say they would prepare an EIS and they want Neighborhood Board help in reaching and involving the community in the planning.

Under Sea Cable

2009-10-30T10:38:00.000-10:00

Hawaii is more dependent on foreign oil than any other state. Any disruption in the middle east will have a devastating impact on our economy.

The state is trying to minimize our dependence on foreign oil. An important part of that project is tying Molokai and Lanai, which have the wind power potential, to Oahu.

check out this article for more infor

There will be two landing sites for the cable. One will be in town. The other will be on or near the Marine Base and follow either the Oneawa Canal or the H3 right-of-way to the power station located near the junction of the H3 and Kamehameha Hwy.

Windward Geology

2009-09-24T18:52:00.000-10:00

Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi is planning a general membership meeting and lecture by Dr. Floyd McCoy at Windward Community College on Friday, October 2, 2009 at Hale Akoakoa room 105. At 6:00 p.m. learn more about Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, its programs and projects and meet fellow members, volunteers and others interested in learning more about Hawaii’s environment. Dr. McCoy will be talking at 7:00 p.m. about the Geology of the Kailua ahupua’a. This will be an excellent way to learn more before the Ahahui geology tour on Oct. 3rd. The public is invited to attend. For further info. contact Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112, or email

Komomai Bar

2009-09-18T20:23:00.000-10:00

Aloha Commissioner Kim,

At our Kaneohe Neighborhood Board meeting last night the representative from HPD reported that there have been more incidents involving allegedly intoxicated patrons of the Komomai bar in Kaneohe. You may recall that last year an underaged male who had been drinking at this bar died after being assaulted in the parking lot. We were informed that there has been yet another assault reported involving customers of this establishment within the past month.

As chairman of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, I am requesting that the Honolulu Liquor Commission review the permitee's history and all incidents that have been reported to determine whether a review of Komomai's liquor dispensing license is warranted at this time and whether that license should be either suspended or revoked for over-serving alcohol and for not taking adequate precautions to prevent incidents involving their intoxicated customers.

The next scheduled meeting of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board is October 15th. Would you kindly send a representative to our meeting to report on your review of the Komomai's liquor dispensing license?

Mahalo for you assistance and inquiry into this matter.

Roy Yanagihara
Chairman
Kaneohe Neighborhood Board

9th Annual Windward Ho`olaule`a

2009-09-16T21:02:00.000-10:00

The 9th Annual Windward Ho‘olaule‘a, one of the largest community events in Windward O‘ahu, will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Windward Community College.

The event is coordinated by the Kaneohe Business Group and WCC. Admission is free, and an estimated 15,000 people are expected to attend. Flagship sponsors are Hawaiian Electric Co. and Ameron Hawaii.

Mayor's September Newsletter

2009-09-16T20:50:00.000-10:00

Mayor Hannemman's September Newsletter is available here.

An alternative CD memo re early warning systems

2009-09-14T16:58:00.000-10:00

Alternative Resolution concerning expanding the
Civil Defense siren network in Kaneohe

Whereas, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board recognizes the urgent need to develop and maintain a system to provide the public with early warning and information in times of impending civil emergencies;

Whereas, the state civil defense agency is responsible for developing and maintaining a system to notify, alert and inform the public of during times of emergencies;

The following memo is a backup position if the first reso fails to pass.

Whereas, civil defense sirens have been an integral part of the civil defense early warning system for many years;

Whereas, the state civil defense agency is now seeking the support of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board with regards to its plan to expand and improve the audible siren system now in place;

Whereas, audible sirens, as an early warning alert system has inherent limitations that reduce its effectiveness as a means of alerting the public in times of public emergencies;

Whereas, newer and alternative technology may now exist that can provide widespread and more inclusive means of providing early warning and information dissemination to the public during times of emergency;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board hereby expresses its strong support for state Civil Defense Agency and its goal of developing and maintaining a system to warn the public during times of emergencies. This board is concerned, however, about the limitations inherent with an audible siren system. While sirens may be useful in some situations this board would like to express its encouragement to the state Civil Defense Agency to consider the use of additional and alternative means, to include the use of electronic highway signage, expanding the use of radio, TV broadcasts, the internet, cellphone networks, and other notification technologies, in addition to the audible sirens that are now in place, to provide the populace with early warning and information during civil emergencies.

Reso supporting Civil Defense Siren Upgrade

2009-09-14T16:49:00.000-10:00

This is on the KNB agenda for the Thursday 9/17/09 meeting.

INTENT: This resolution intends to support the Hawai‘i State Civil Defense’s mission to upgrade the siren warning system within the Neighborhood Board District.

RATIONALE: The existing outdoor warning system is not adequate in some areas to warn Kane‘ohe residents should there be an emergency.

PLAN OF ACTION: State Civil Defense to upgrade sirens that are in poor condition, and add sirens in new locations with solar-powered sirens to enhance and increase siren warning coverage for Kane‘ohe residents. Solar-powered sirens will be able to operate in the event that electrical power is down during or after a storm event or earthquake.

ACCOUNTABILITY: State Civil Defense will coordinate the installation of the sirens, and the City & County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management is responsible for siren maintenance and operation.

Now therefore be it resolved that Kane‘ohe Neighborhood Board District 30 supports the efforts of Hawai‘i State Civil Defense in its mission to upgrade the siren warning system by replacing outdated sirens with solar-powered sirens and adding solar-powered sirens in new locations to increase the siren warning system within the Käne‘ohe Neighborhood Board District.

Resolution on Slavery

2009-09-13T12:11:00.000-10:00

At its meeting, Thursday 9/17, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board will consider a resolution recommending legislation to strengthen Hawaii's laws against human trafficking. The proposed resolution follows:

Page 1 of 2

Human Trafficking Resolution
Neighborhood Board No. ____
WHEREAS, existing legislation and law enforcement activities in
Hawaii are ineffective to deter Human Trafficking. Effective
deterrents require bringing traffickers, and patrons or “johns” who
solicit services from trafficked persons, to justice, and

WHEREAS, no comprehensive, victim centered, law exists in Hawaii
that effectively penalizes the range of offenses involved in the
trafficking scheme, to create a significant and effective penal
deterrent to traffickers and patrons, while recognizing and
protecting the needs and rights of trafficked persons, and

WHEREAS, existing state laws fail to protect victims of
trafficking, who are often in Hawaii without proper documentation
or falsified identification and are frequently punished instead of
the traffickers themselves, and

WHEREAS, trafficked persons also often find it difficult or
impossible to report the crimes committed against them or to assist
in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes because they
are subjected to coercion and intimidation, including physical or
psychological control and debt bondage, and often fear retribution,
and

WHEREAS, adequate services and facilities do not exist in Hawaii to
meet the needs of trafficking victims for health care, housing,
education, medical services, and legal assistance, which safely
support the recovery and ability of trafficked persons to regain
control of their lives and also to assist with the prosecution of
traffickers, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the ____________ Neighborhood
Board
No. ______ that:

1. In order to deter human trafficking, Hawaii must recognize
that trafficking is a serious offense, which is done by
prescribing appropriate punishment, giving priority to the
prosecution of trafficking offenses, and protecting, rather
than punishing, the victims of these offenses; and

2. The Hawaii State Legislature should enact a human trafficking
statute to allow local law enforcement and city prosecutors to
effectively combat the growing problem of Human Trafficking,
which is a contemporary manifestation of slavery, to ensure
the just and effective punishment of traffickers and to
protect the human rights of trafficked persons.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be
transmitted to:

The Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, the Lt. Governor of the
State of Hawai‘i, State of Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney
General, the City Prosecutor’s Office, Mayor of the City and
County of Honolulu, all City Council members, the Hawai‘i State
House of Representatives and the Hawai‘i State Senate.

The _______________ Neighborhood Board No. _____________ adopted

this resolution at its _______________________ meeting.

Approved by the ______________ Neighborhood Board on _____________
Date

_________________________________
Chairperson Signature

Board of Education Blog

2009-09-11T10:25:00.000-10:00

The Board of Education has launched a blog to post news and commentaries, and to discuss education issues.

Mr. Alexandre Da Silva, the Board's Public Affairs Officer, maintains and updates the blog. He can be reached by phone at (808) 586-3536 or through email at .

Bay View Golf Course Wedding Pavilion

2009-09-10T16:49:00.000-10:00

Bay View Golf Course is planning to build a Wedding Pavilion off Kaneohe Bay Drive between the new luxury home subdivision and the homes adjacent to Camp Kokokahi. The pavilion is to be over 3000 square feet. That is over twice the size of my 3 bedroom home.

I see this being a problem from the standpoint of noise, traffic and visually. I believe it is inappropriate between two residential subdivisions. What do you think. See the notification document sent to the neighbors. Select Bay View Pavilion.pdf by clicking on the down arrow at the end of the row to the right.

Rubbish along Kaneohe Stream

2009-09-02T10:39:00.000-10:00

This issue first came to the Board as a litter complaint. It quickly evolved into a much more complex problem.

1) the accumulation of rubbish and debris appears to be greatest in one particular area and is of the greatest immediate concern because a) of its proximity to the Kaneohe River; b) it is next to a heavily used playing field used by children; c) the person(s) responsible for creating the mess may not be mentally stable based on reports concerning observed behavior; d) proximity to residences in the vicinity and complaints by those residents; and e) the site may be on private property.
2) there are other sites nearby that may also be of concern i.e. under the Kaneohe River bridge because of a number of people have been seen frequenting the area. These other sites are probably located on public property but the exact agency or agencies responsible have not yet been identified.
3) the other areas of concern are next to or adjacent to the soon to be Civic Center parking area and should be cleaned up before that project is completed.
4) in addition to cleaning the area of litter and debris homeless outreach should be conducted in order to determine if suspected homeless persons can be relocated.
5) a plan to utilize these areas constructively should be developed in order to prevent the accumulation of rubbish and debris in the future. One possibility that should be considered is to establish a people's gardening site in these areas.

This is basically a problem of how to help homeless and often addicted and or mentally challenged individuals. The City's approach to cleaning up parks is to make long term camping impossible. When the homeless are chased out of one area they move to another. Moving the homeless away from Kaneohe Stream is not going to resolve the problem. It will only make it someone else's problem.

People who cannot help themselves need our help. There are a lot of people trying to resolve this situation. Hopefully, they will find a solution and not just move the problem somewhere else.

Photos here

Draft Agenda for KNB Mtg Thursday 9/17/09

2009-09-02T10:34:00.000-10:00

The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board had its September agenda planning meeting last night. Members present included Marie Gavigan, John Flanigan, Bill Sager, Myles Yamamoto, Patty Yamashiro, Warren Ditch and Roy Yanagihara. We also had a guest, Andrew Choy, from Townscapes, Inc. who requested time to update the board on the Kaneohe Sustainable Communities Plan.

Following a discussion the following items were placed on the agenda:
Old Business
1. Update on the Kaneohe Sustainable Communities Plan - Andrew Choy
2. Reso to be introduced re Kaneohe Xmas parade - Marie Gavigan
3. Reso to be introduced re whether the Kaneohe NB shall continue to meet at WCC and if so, shall it authorize the payment of $40 monthly use fee.
4. Reso to be introduced re support of proposed legislation to prevent human trafficking - Warren Ditch
5. Reso to be introduced re installation of Civil Defense sirens in Kaneohe - John Flanigan
a. Possible reso to be introduced regarding alternatives to sirens - Patty Yamashiro

New Business
1. Report on trash heap and environmental concerns at or near Kaneohe River bridge - Bill Sager
2. Presentation re proposed wedding chapel at BayView CG
3. Reso re Kaneohe Bay Regional Council - Bill Sager
4. Presentation re rain harvesting - Chris Steele
5. Presentation re Windward Athletics Fundraiser - Shannon Wood

Litter Problems along Kaneohe Stream

2009-09-01T21:06:00.000-10:00

Pictures of the litter problem caused by homeless camping along Kaneohe Stream are available here

Windward Ho'olaule'a

2009-08-31T12:04:00.001-10:00

Sign up for craft, food booths at Windward Ho'olaule'a

Reader Submitted
The 9th Annual Windward Ho'olaule'a, one of the largest community events in Windward O'ahu, will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Windward Community College in Kāne'ohe.
The event is coordinated by the Kaneohe Business Group and WCC. Admission is free, and an estimated 15,000 people are expected to attend. Flagship sponsors are Hawaiian Electric Co. and Ameron Hawaii.

The event will feature top island entertainment, a job fair, 'ono ethnic food, unique crafts, keiki activities, a white elephant and used book sale, community displays, and a college-sponsored silent auction to benefit student programs and scholarships.

"The Ho'olaule'a has become a tradition on the Windward side, with something for the whole family," said chair Herb Lee. "This year we're emphasizing our theme, "E Pū Like Kākou (Let's Come Together as One).

"We wanted to send a message of hope in these challenging times, that we're one community and need to support each other."

Among the featured performers on the outdoor stage will be Na Hoku Hanohano award winners Ledward Kaapana, Holunape, Brother Noland, Kupaoa and Mailani - all of whom have won their own Hokus.

The entertainment will also feature a preview of WCC's production of "West Side Story," set to open Sept. 25 at the college's Paliku Theatre.

Also available will be shows at the college's Imaginarium and an open house at Lanihuli Observatory and the Center for Aerospace Education on campus.

New this year is a job fair to link local companies with potential employees.

"We wanted to use the event to help people looking for a better future," said Lee.
"We're very grateful for the tremendous community support, even in these tough times. The event is a way to highlight the talent, culture and businesses of Windward O'ahu as well as educational and career opportunities."

Companies can still get involved as event sponsors by calling Sandy Kurosaki at 265-2016 or donate to the silent auction by calling Carla Rogers at 235-7387. Those interested in participating in the job fair can contact Michael Moser at 386-3602.

Prospective vendors can all Judy Oliveira (crafts) at 235-7480 or Gus Cobb-Adams (food) at 235-7485.

Applications can also be downloaded from http://windward.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea.

Drop Box Installed at Kaneohe Department of Labor Office

2009-08-31T12:00:00.000-10:00

Secure, Convenient Option for Residents Filing Unemployment Claims, Other Employment Forms
By Ryan K. Markham, 8/31/2009 4:39:57 AM

HONOLULU - The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) announced today that a secure drop box has been installed in front of the Kaneohe Satellite offices located at the Kaneohe Atrium Building, at 46-005 Kawa Street, Suite 205, Kaneohe, Hawai‘i. While the Kaneohe offices remain open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the locked drop box will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Our clients can drop off weekly unemployment claims cards, registration forms, medical records, and other unemployment insurance or workforce development related documents,” said Director Darwin L.D. Ching. “We are striving to continue to provide greater service and convenience to our Windward O‘ahu clientele,” he added.
Ryan K. Markham with the DOL, can be reached at mailto:Ryan.K.Markham@hawaii.gov

Meeting Notes for 8/20/09

2009-08-21T16:42:00.000-10:00

Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Mtg. Notes on Meeting of 8/20/09

This is not the official minutes but only a summary of my notes of the highlights of the meeting.

No action was taken due to a lack of a quorum. Many Boards including the KNB face a problem based on a glitch in the law that prevents a board from filling position for which no candidate ran. We can only appoint a volunteer when a position is vacated by a resignation. The Neighborhood Commission is working on the problem and we hope to be able to appoint volunteers at the October meeting.

The Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 5. Art Machado can use all the help he can get.

Laura Theilen, the Governor's representative, described how DLNR has revised its Recreation Renaissance program. DLNR plans to charge non-residents to access two high use State Parks on each major island and use the funds to finance park maintenance. DLNR also plans to raise recreational boating fees and use those funds for maintenance.

The state is revising flood control maps. It is important that everyone be aware of the changes. If you buy flood insurance before the new maps show you in a flood zone, you flood insurance will be grandfathered in at the rates applicable to your current status.

The Board discussed the pending Bay View foreclosure. It was pointed out that Bay View is the last large area of open space with Bay Frontage. The Kaneohe Master Plan designates Bay View as important green space which can provide much needed public access to the bay. The Board will follow up with our Windward legislators to determine if the property can be acquired for public use.

Environmental Chair Sager announce that:
the Draft Oahu Bicycle Plan is available for comment at www.oahubikeplan.org. Comment period is pau at the end of the month.
The Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club is working on a project to identify ahupuaa boundaries. Any kupuna with knowledge of traditional boundaries should contact the club. Any graphic artist who is interested in helping design the signs is asked to call 226-4195.
The Kaneohe Bay Regional Council will be terminated at the end of this fiscal year. The Friends of Kaneohe Bay is being organized to help support the KBRC and act as an advocate for the Bay. Contact Bill Sager at 375-1114 if you want to be an advocate.